November’s fused glass Citrine
As I mentioned November has two birthstones Topaz and Citrine.
Citrine also commemorates a 13th wedding anniversary. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. Citrine is a yellow-to-golden member of the quartz mineral group. Citrine is defined as “a pale yellow quartz resembling topaz. Citrine is found in igneous (rocks produced under conditions involving intense heat) and metamorphic rocks, particularly in granite and gneiss. Citrine is a variety of quartz, one of the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust. In its pure form, quartz is colorless and transparent. However the colors of citrine and amethyst are caused by chemical impurities. In the case of citrine, it is iron content that gives it its color. Most commercial citrine is made by heat-treating amethyst. In fact, heat treated citrine is sometimes referred to as “burnt amethyst.” Citrine rates a 7 on the hardness scale.
Citrine has been called the “stone of the mind” or “healing quartz”. Ancient cultures believed that placing a citrine on the forehead of an elder would increase his psychic power. This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer.
• Money energies of citrine
• Citrine is known as the lucky “Merchants Stone”.
• Increase self esteem
• Protect from the negative energy from someone else’s abuse
• Open the mind to new thoughts
• Promote Clarity Of Thought
• Used by healers to help with digestion as it is considered beneficial to the endocrine and digestive system – cleansing, purifying and eliminating poisons that have built up.
• Calm and soothe distressed conditions.
• Help relieve depression, digestive problems (including constipation and diabetes).
• Give joy and love to the owner.
How to Care for Citrine
Citrine could last forever if it is take care. It must be shielded from any type of situation where it could be scratched or hit. It is very important for a citrine not to be left in the sun, or to be in situations, i.e., sunbathing, where it will be exposed to prolonged sunlight or heat. Because of its sensitivity to heat, the stone’s color could change and fade into a lighter color. Use any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and warm water (using a soft brush) to wash citrine. Rinse and dry it thoroughly after cleaning it. The stone can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, however steam cleaning is not recommended.
For the fused glass birthstone version of November’s “Citrine” I used various shades of amber frit.
As I mentioned in the gemstone newsletter there are many advantages of fused glass over typical gemstones is Fused Glass is less expensive, more durable (than some birthstones), and can be bigger than typical gemstones
If you would like a Fused Glass Citrine please email me at elegantfusedglass@gmail.com. I can make them into pendants, key chains, purse hangers, wine stoppers and pretty much anything else you would like.
Keeping my Kiln warm,
Karen
