Real vs. Fake Citrine: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters

Citrine is one of the most beloved crystals in the world of healing and manifestation — known as the Stone of Abundance, Joy, and Success. But did you know that most “Citrine” on the market isn’t natural Citrine at all? In fact, much of it is actually heat-treated Amethyst or Smoky Quartz that’s been altered to achieve a golden colour.

If you’re a crystal collector or energy worker, understanding the difference between real Citrine and heat-treated Citrine is essential for both authenticity and energetic alignment.

What Is Real Citrine?

Natural Citrine is a variety of quartz that gets its warm golden hue from trace amounts of iron that oxidize under natural heat and pressure deep within the Earth. It typically ranges from pale champagne yellow to gentle honey gold — subtle, translucent, and evenly coloured.

Because it forms naturally, genuine Citrine is less common and more expensive than heat-treated Amethyst. It’s found in locations such as Brazil, Madagascar, and the Ural Mountains of Russia.

What Is Fake or Heated Citrine?

Heated Citrine (sometimes called “heat-treated Amethyst”) is created by heating purple Amethyst or Smoky Quartz at very high temperatures. This process changes its colour to bright yellow or deep orange-brown. While it looks vibrant and beautiful, it is a man-made colour, rather than Earth-formed in this colour.

Heated Citrine usually has:

• A bright, burnt-orange colour (especially at the tips)

• White bases or uneven colouration

• A more crumbly, crystalline structure

• Often sold in clusters resembling Amethyst geodes

How to Tell Real Citrine from Fake Citrine

💡 Quick Tip: If your Citrine cluster looks like an Amethyst geode that’s been “toasted” orange, it’s probably heat-treated.

Benefits of Using Real Citrine

Authentic Citrine carries a lighter, more radiant vibration — connected directly to solar energy, abundance, and joy. Many believe that its natural energy flow makes it more effective for:

• Manifestation and prosperity work

• Boosting creativity and confidence

• Aligning with the Solar Plexus Chakra

• Clearing negative energy without cleansing (Citrine is one of the few self-cleansing crystals!)

Heated Citrine still holds the general quartz vibration of amplification and positivity, but its energy may feel sharper and more fiery, making it better for motivation rather than gentle abundance work.

When it comes to crystals, authenticity matters — not only for beauty and value but also for energetic alignment. Real Citrine radiates the gentle, golden warmth of the sun, inviting prosperity, clarity, and joy into your life.

If you love bright, fiery hues, heated Citrine is still a beautiful choice!

✨ Whether you’re drawn to the soft golden tones of real Citrine or the vibrant glow of heated quartz, both remind us to shine brightly and manifest abundance from within. ✨

Buy a selection of Natural and treated Citrine here at Crystal Sanctuary!