Natural Citrine Raw Crystals (2-4 Inch - A Grade - 4-6 Pieces Per Pound) Ethically Sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

At Beyond Bohemian, we are proud to work with individuals who are affiliated with worker owner cooperatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where some of the most stunning and beautiful natural citrine in the world is found. Unfortunately, the DRC faces numerous challenges, including conflict, corruption, and economic inequalities, making it difficult to extract and transport materials from the region. To ensure ethical sourcing, we exclusively collaborate with cooperatives that can safely mine and transport the citrine outside of the DRC. While the citrine's quality is outstanding, obtaining crystals in pristine condition is rare. The remote mining areas are largely inaccessible, and the crystals are transported in bags on motorbikes, resulting in potential damage due to rough rides towards the nearest paved road. However, despite these flaws and challenges, the natural citrine from the DRC remains extraordinary. Its beauty and uniqueness make these crystals truly remarkable. By supporting the workers in the DRC, we contribute to the cooperative's resources, enabling them to improve the quality of life for those working in the mining industry. By choosing our ethically sourced citrine from the DRC, you not only acquire a stunning and rare natural gem, but also make a positive impact on the lives of the workers involved. Together, we can support the artisanal mining community and help pave the way for a more equitable industry.

Description: Citrine is a vibrant, energizing gemstone primarily known for its golden-yellow color. It is a form of quartz and is popularly used in jewelry and for metaphysical purposes. Citrine is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success, and to encourage generosity, sharing good fortune with others.

• Color: Golden yellow to yellow-brown.

• Primary Sources: Brazil, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Ural Mountains in Russia.

• Mining/Collection: Typically mined from hydrothermal veins or derived as a byproduct of amethyst mining.

• Crystal Form/Structure: Hexagonal system, often found in prismatic and trigonal crystal forms.

• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale.

• Physical Properties: Known for its durability and vibrant color, unaffected by exposure to light.

• Emotional Properties: Inspires optimism and enthusiasm, and helps to dissipate negative energy.

• Healing Properties: Believed to stimulate digestion, support endocrine function, and promote overall health in organs that require regulation of elimination.

• Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra.

• Astrological Sign: Gemini, Aries, Libra, and Leo.

• Unique Fact: Citrine is also known as "The Merchant's Stone"; shopkeepers and merchants traditionally placed citrine in their cash registers for prosperity.

• Usage Insight: Carrying or wearing citrine can help manifest your personal intentions, particularly in relation to wealth and abundance.

• Care Instructions: Clean citrine with warm, soapy water. It's generally safe to use ultrasonic cleaners, but steam cleaning should be avoided.

• Authenticity Tips:

  • Color: Natural citrine has a subdued, pale yellow to a brownish color. Deep, vibrant oranges are often heat-treated amethysts.

  • Inclusions: Natural citrine may contain inclusions or cloudiness, unlike flawless synthetic versions.

  • Hardness Test: Citrine can scratch glass without being scratched by a steel knife due to its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.