Citrine sphere with tourmaline inclusions

This natural citrine quartz sphere is a radiant and eye-catching piece, filled with vibrant internal rainbow refractions and accented by a rare inclusion of tourmaline. Its warm golden glow combined with flashes of prismatic light creates a lively and captivating display, making it both elegant and unique.

Expertly polished into a smooth sphere, this piece allows light to move freely in all directions, enhancing its internal features. The crystal is richly included with fine internal fractures that catch and scatter light, producing an abundance of rainbow flashes that shift beautifully as the sphere is turned.

A small yet distinct tourmaline inclusion can be found within, offering a rare and intriguing contrast against the citrine’s golden clarity. While subtle in size, this natural inclusion adds depth and character, highlighting the unique conditions under which the crystal formed.

The colour ranges from soft golden tones to slightly deeper honey hues, with excellent light play throughout. The combination of rainbow-filled inclusions and the contrasting presence of tourmaline makes this a particularly special and collectible piece.

Key Features

Material: Natural Citrine (Quartz) with Tourmaline inclusion

Formation: Polished sphere with internal inclusions and rainbow refractions

Color: Soft golden-yellow to warm honey tones with natural variation

Crystal Habit: Sphere with internal fractures, rainbow refractions, and a small tourmaline inclusion

Finish: Smooth polished exterior

Shape: Sphere

Dimensions

Diameter: 4.3 cm

Weight: 115 g

Geological & Scientific Notes

Citrine is a variety of quartz coloured by trace amounts of iron within its structure, giving it its characteristic warm yellow tones formed through natural geological heating processes.

This specimen contains a small inclusion of tourmaline, a boron silicate mineral that often forms in association with quartz under specific geological conditions. The presence of both minerals in one piece is relatively uncommon, making this combination particularly interesting from a mineralogical perspective.

The sphere displays abundant rainbow refractions, created as light passes through internal fractures and microscopic inclusions. These natural features disperse light into spectral colours, producing vivid flashes that shift depending on angle and lighting.

The clarity varies throughout, with inclusions playing a key role in creating the strong rainbow effect. These features are entirely natural and contribute to the individuality and visual appeal of the piece.

The spherical shape maximises light distribution, allowing the rainbows and internal features to be viewed from every angle, enhancing its overall brilliance.

Mineral: Quartz
Formula: SiO₂
Colour: Pale yellow → deep amber
Cause of Colour: Iron impurities
Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)
Transparency: Transparent → translucent
Streak: White
Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Fracture: Conchoidal
Cleavage: None
Density: ~2.65
Crystal System: Trigonal
Habit: Hexagonal prisms
Formation: Igneous rocks & hydrothermal veins
Common Locations: Brazil, Madagascar, Russia
Optical:
Refractive Index: ~1.54–1.55
Weak pleochroism
Extras:
Natural citrine is rare
Often heat-treated amethyst
Colour usually more uniform than amethyst

Condition

Smooth polished exterior

Small natural tourmaline inclusion present

Heavy internal inclusions creating strong rainbow refractions

Minor natural internal features consistent with quartz

No dyeing or artificial enhancement

Care Instructions

Handle with care to avoid scratches or damage

Clean gently with a soft cloth or mild water

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

Keep away from harsh chemicals

Store separately to maintain its polished surface