Natural Madeira Citrine

Madeira crystals are natural gemstones with distinct ‘zebra’ or ‘tiger’ stripes in their structure. The citrine crystal adopts a trigon format and might feature negative or partially-healed fractures.

Many Madeira citrines possess a vitreous luster, no cleavage, and stable composition – three vital elements of the best gems for jewelry. Many jewelers and buyers prefer earth-mined Madeira citrine as they are affordable, possess a decent glitter index, and possess several sturdy elements.

Earth-mined Madeira citrines are commonly available in shades of light yellow to dark orange. These colors largely dominate the interior and may pass off as topaz, rare orange or canary yellow diamonds.

But there’s much more to know about these crystals, especially if you plan to add them to your collection.

That’s why this article provides vital details about natural madeira citrine so you’d know about its origins, uses, maintenance tips, and so much more. All the information you need about natural Madeira citrine makes it easy to choose precious stones without much hassle.

History of Madeira Citrine

Madeira citrine were confused with topaz for much of the early twentieth century. However, gemological tests later on showed that these gems had a trigon crystalline structure uncommon to topaz or carbon crystals.

Madeira citrine is earth-mined across locations in Zambia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Brazil, Uruguay, and many other regions worldwide.

How are Madeira Citrines Made?

Natural Madeira citrines form when amethyst experiences intense heating underground. These crystals develop their signature deep yellow to orange hue when the brownish core taints colorless amethyst with surrounding elements.

Some common elements like nitrogen might be responsible for the formation of natural citrines while others develop when a brownish core penetrates their structure.

Uses of Madeira Citrine

Adornments

Madeira citrine are excellent fixtures on luxury jewelry. These gemstones feature as adornments on much more than jewelry as they beautify musical instruments, vases, windows, and other decorative pieces.

Exhibition gemstones

Some of the best exhibitions of gemstones worldwide feature Madeira citrine in their gallery. These gemstones can feature as standalone crystals or form parts of intriguing works of art.

Luxury glasswork detail

Madeira citrine is easy to work into different forms and that’s why it’s a great choice for luxury glasswork. These crystals form centerpieces on luxury lighting, home décor, and other effects.

Chemical Properties of Madeira Citrine

• Composition: SiO2
• Density: 1.90 – 2.2 g/cm3
• Fracture: Conchoidal
• Hardness (Mohs’ Scale): 7
• Birefringence: 0.009
• Crystal System: Trigon
• Dispersion: Weak (0.013)
• Refractive Index: 1.54 – 1.55
• Specific Gravity: 1.5 – 1.095 g/cm3

Maintenance Tips for Madeira Citrine

You can maintain your natural Madeira citrine by:

• Wiping it with a soft, damp cotton cloth and allow it to air dry
• Rubbing its surface with a dry, soft cotton cloth to retain its shine
• Cleaning the gemstones with a baking soda and white vinegar mix
• Storing the crystals in an airtight, cushioned container

Avoid using harsh chemicals on natural Madeira citrine. Some elements in jewelry cleaners might weaken the polymer resin used to hold natural Madeira citrine together.

Also make sure that your prized Madeira citrine never comes under the jeweler’s torch. Concentrated light rays from some jewelers torches might be strong enough to damage the color spread of some natural Madeira citrine crystals.