Heat treated Citrine Polished Flame

Heat-Treated Citrine Quartz Freeform – Polished Flame with Internal Rainbows

This polished citrine quartz freeform is a striking display piece, shaped into a smooth flame form that enhances both colour and internal structure. The piece shows vibrant yellow to golden tones, paired with complex internal textures and light-reactive features.

The colour in this specimen has been produced through heat treatment of iron-bearing quartz (commonly amethyst or smoky quartz). When exposed to elevated temperatures, iron within the crystal lattice undergoes a change in oxidation state, resulting in the characteristic yellow colour associated with citrine.

The high polish allows light to pass deeply into the stone, revealing internal fractures, veils, and scattered mineral inclusions. These features create visible rainbow refractions when light hits at the right angle, adding movement and visual depth.

A distinct internal banding/growth zone runs diagonally through the piece, marking different stages of crystal development prior to shaping. This provides a clear view into the crystal’s formation history.

The freeform has been carved to maintain an organic, flowing silhouette, with a stable flat base for display. The curved surfaces act as natural lenses, amplifying the internal structures and colour saturation.

🔍 Key Features
Material: Heat-Treated Quartz (Citrine)
Formula: SiO₂
Colour: Bright yellow → golden
Cause of Colour: Iron impurities altered by heat treatment
Transparency: Translucent to semi-transparent
Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Formation: Polished freeform (carved from natural quartz)
Finish: High polish

📏 Dimensions
Size: 11 cm x 7 cm
Weight: 376 grams

🧪 Geological & Scientific Notes
Quartz naturally forms in silica-rich environments such as hydrothermal veins and volcanic cavities. Trace iron within the structure is responsible for colour variations across quartz varieties.

In this piece, heat treatment replicates the natural process that can occur underground, where elevated temperatures alter iron centres within the crystal lattice. This results in the yellow coloration seen in citrine.

Internal fractures and inclusions formed during crystal growth are preserved during polishing, and these features are responsible for light dispersion effects such as rainbow reflections.

🧼 Care Information
Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth
Avoid harsh chemicals
Store separately to prevent scratching
Handle carefully to avoid chips on edges