Heat treated Citrine

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

This polished citrine quartz freeform is a compact yet visually rich display piece, featuring soft yellow to golden tones and a detailed internal structure revealed through a high-gloss finish.

The colour in this specimen has been produced through heat treatment of iron-bearing quartz. When quartz containing trace iron is exposed to elevated temperatures, the iron undergoes a change in oxidation state, resulting in the yellow colour associated with citrine.

Carved into a smooth flame-shaped freeform, the piece has a stable base and gently curved surfaces that enhance light interaction. These polished faces act as natural lenses, allowing light to travel through the crystal and illuminate internal fractures, inclusions, and growth features.

Within the stone, fine internal veils, scattered mineral inclusions, and subtle fracture planes create depth and movement. These natural features formed during crystal growth and are preserved through the polishing process, giving each angle a different visual profile.
The combination of warm colour, clarity variation, and internal texture makes this a strong display piece despite its smaller size.

🔍 Key Features
Material: Heat-Treated Quartz (Citrine)
Formula: SiO₂
Colour: Pale 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: 7 cm x 3.4 cm
Weight: 63 grams

🧪 Geological & Scientific Notes
Quartz forms in silica-rich environments such as hydrothermal veins and volcanic cavities. Trace elements, particularly iron, are responsible for colour variations across quartz varieties.

In this specimen, heat treatment alters iron centres within the crystal lattice, producing the yellow coloration. This mimics processes that can occur naturally underground under elevated temperatures.
Internal fractures and inclusions are a normal part of quartz growth. These structures interact with light, creating depth and subtle optical effects when viewed from different angles.

🧼 Care Information
Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth
Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners
Store separately to prevent scratches
Handle carefully to avoid edge chips