Metaphysical and Mineralogical Properties of Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz characterized by a yellow color, ranging from white to deep copper. It is less common in nature than amethyst.
The color of citrine derives from small amounts (approximately 40 parts per million) of iron impurities in the quartz. The difference between citrine and amethyst is only the oxidation state of the iron impurities present in the quartz. Citrine typically is formed as an amethyst which becomes heated to the point where the iron held within the crystal undergoes a further stage of oxidation. 
Citrine is considered by metaphysical rock hounds to be a stone of strong protection because of its ability to cleanse the aura.
Citrine activates, opens and energizes the third chakra, including the navel and solar plexus, stimulating both the physical body and the mind, increasing endurance and elevating energy levels while promoting emotional balance (unlike other stimulants such as caffeine). Citrine is an excellent stone for clearing the aura of negative emotions.
Citrine is said to aid in digestion, which is governed by the third chakra, and to activate the thymus, which regulates our immune system, thus promoting health and well-being. In addition, citrine is said to provide a feeling of comfort and optimism. I must admit, that when I wear or work with citrine, I have a great sense of well being and protection.
From a New Age perspective, citrine is associated with the color gold. Gold is the color of Christ Consciousness, and thus citrine represents the crown chakra, which could be violet, white or gold, depending upon the circumstances.
In our experience, citrine cleanses the emotional and etheric bodies, and stimulates the holder’s vital energies and physical body. It imparts a strong sense of protection if worn on the body or placed in a room where energy work takes place or groups gather.
Used in energy healing, citrine is said to transmit the golden light of unity consciousness, which is tuned to the very highest vibrations of an open eighth chakra -- the chakra above the crown of the head, said by the Western New Age chakra system to be the location of the Higher Self.
When Jane and I have used citrine in Reiki and crystal energy sessions with clients, they have reported feeling a gloden glow around them. We have also found that citrine is a powerful tool for extracting negative energies, gently dissolving energy blocks, and releasing negative emotions during sessions.
Used in meditation, citrine stimulates the crown chakra, our doorway to Cosmic Consciousness, and helps unite the seven lower chakras and the physical body with the energy frequency of the Higher Self, aligning the eighth chakra with the rest of the energy body.
Esoteric Christianity makes a link between iron (or hematite) and Archangel Michael, and a crystal containing iron can provide the bearer with a powerful connection to Michael, providing access to the Archangel's loving wisdom and power to dissolve illusion through the activity of his famous sword, the sword of Ultimate Truth.
During the Libran month, on October 8, in the northern hemisphere, the Draconid meteor showers will be visible. At this time of year, when sensational meteor showers, largely composed of iron, traditionally streak across the night sky, Esoteric Christian philosopher Rudolph Steiner’s clairvoyant vision saw the traditional flashing iron sword of Michael. The meteoric sword of Michael was thought to cleanse the Earth’s atmosphere of summer's sulfurous influences, allowing the Higher Self to emerge and guide the initiate along the path of Spirit toward the birth of the Inner Christ Light, an event which takes place in December, during the festival of Christmas.
For more information on Michaelmas, see "Libra Festivals: Michaelmas, Rosh Hoshanah, Ramadan and Navratri".
You can find citrine crystals in the SatyaCenter Crystal Store.
Properties of Smoky Citrine
Smoky citrine is a stone of transformation, an alchemist’s stone. Smoky citrine provides a smooth and easy, graceful access to a very deep place.
Smoky Citrine combines the energies of these two powerful types of crystal. Smoky quartz and citrine are both found in high-temperature hydrothermal veins in Brazil, and both are used to transform negative or unwanted energies.
Smoky quartz is a traditional stone used to promote slow transformation and purification of the emotional body in conjunction with deep meditation, and citrine is the golden purifier, actively transforming and elevating the sluggish – or stuck --energies in an individual’s energy system.
The alchemical symbolism of smoky citrine manifests most clearly when the crystal is backlit or held up to a bright light, or to the sun.
The deep golden-orange-reddish glow of the transformative citrine appears to rise up within the crystal, illuminating the intensely bright darkness of the smoky quartz from within.
Smoky citrine combines the qualities of the two types of quartz in a very powerful way.
Smoky citrine facilitates the harmonious transformation of negative emotions, karmic imprints, mistaken mental maps of the world, bad habits, neurotic behaviors and love wounds into positive manifestations of Divine Love and Higher Purpose.
Smoky citrine is a form of what is known as “the philosopher’s stone”, a catalyst in the alchemical transformation of the human soul, which consists of elevating the vital energy, the heart’s desire and the mind’s focus to the frequencies characteristic of the higher chakras, and of attuning the mind more and more consciously to the energy signatures of the elevated spiritual realities one encounters there.
Jane and I find from personal experience that smoky citrine provides a very supportive energy for meditators. You might place a smoky citrine on your altar or in your meditation area, or hold a small crystal in your hand during meditation to enhance your practice.
You can find citrine crystals in the SatyaCenter Crystal Store.