Carnelian and citrine are two of the most popular gemstones in the world, known for their unique beauty and metaphysical properties. While both are often used in jewelry, they have different colors, origins, and meanings.
Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of the Chalcedony family, prized for its warm and earthy tones. Citrine, on the other hand, is a yellow variety of quartz, known for its bright and sunny hues.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two gemstones, including their physical properties, historical uses, and metaphysical meanings.
Whether you’re a gemstone enthusiast or simply curious, read on to discover more about the fascinating world of carnelian and citrine.
Physical Properties
We’ll begin by looking at the physical properties of the two stones.
Carnelian
This stone is a member of the Chalcedony family and it has a hexagonal crystal structure. It is typically a reddish-brown color and these shades come from the iron oxide content in the stone.
It’s known as the sunset stone due to its beautiful red hues.
Citrine
Citrine is in the quartz family and also has a hexagonal crystal structure. It is available in a wider range of colors but is typically a shade of yellow. Citrine naturally has a smoky or cloudy look.
It’s known as the sunshine stone as it looks like bright sunshine.
Healing Properties
Now we’ll look at the healing properties of both stones.
Physical Healing Properties
Carnelian has a variety of healing properties. As it’s a firestone, it can energize your body with life and will help to stimulate your muscles and the flow of oxygen. Carnelian can boost your libido and help you unlock your sexual power and identity when you need the boost.
When it comes to physical benefits, Carnelian is especially helpful for anyone that suffers from either lower back problems or rheumatism. This stone will keep your limbs feeling warm and loose instead of being stiff.
If you’re detoxing from stimulants such as alcohol and drugs, Carnelian can help you with this as well.
Citrine can also help with your energy levels but instead of fueling you with fire energy, think of it as the healing and energizing rays of the sun. It will help to energize you when you feel sluggish and can even help those with chronic fatigue conditions.
The energy that you get from Citrine is subtle and it won’t leave you feeling unbalanced. It can help with thyroid issues and works to prevent nausea. If you suffer from inconsistent menstrual cycles or pain, Citrine can help with this as well.
Mental And Emotional Healing Properties
The energy that Carnelian gives you is mental as well as physical. Carnelian is known as the Artist’s Stone because it can help you to move forward with your creative projects by letting your energy flow and unlocking your spontaneity.
These energies that unlock your creativity can also make you feel more motivated and willing to let go of any anger and bitterness that you are holding onto.
Carnelian can help you find your voice and this is why it’s also known as the Singers Stone. Even if you’re a bad singer, Carnelian will help you both sing and speak up.
Citrine can help to boost your mood and will help you combat the negative energies that may surround you. It will help you to feel calmer and more in control while dispelling any confusion or destructive tendencies that you hold inside.
The optimism that Citrine gives you can help with your manifestations. You will no longer find things impossible and even when you’re hit with setbacks, you’ll be able to keep going and accept any failures or criticism with gratitude.
Like Carnelian, Citrine can also help with your creative endeavors as it makes you more flexible and willing to try.
Metaphysical Properties
Carnelian shares many properties with other orange stones as it is also connected to the lower three chakras of the Root Chakra, the Sacral Chakra, and the Solar Plexus Chakra.
In contrast, Citrineis aligned just with two Chakras, which are the Sacral Chakra and the Solar Plexus Chakra.
The Root Chakra is one of the most important chakras in the body as it is the foundation chakra and when it is blocked, you will feel unbalanced and insecure. Carnelian will work to unblock this chakra and keep your energy in flow.
Both of the stones help to keep the Sacral Chakra unblocked and this is the chakra linked with our inner fire. It’s where our passion lies and when it is blocked, you may find it difficult to discover joy and connect with the world around you.
Carnelian and Citrine also both help with unblocking the Solar Plexus Chakra, too. This is the home of our personal power. A blocked Solar Plexus Chakra will hit our self-esteem and make it feel like life isn’t worth fighting for.
Birthstones
Carnelianis linked to birthdays that are in those months at the end of summer and the beginning of fall. This makes it the birthstone for Virgos but also suitable for Leos as well.
Surprisingly, Citrine is not linked to any birthdays during the summer months. Instead, it is the birthstone for November, making it a great stone for Libras. It does have a sunny energy, however, and this is why it can also work for Aries and Leo.
Using The Stones
There are many ways you can use both of these stones. Carnelianis best worn to boost your self-confidence and your warrior spirit. You can also place it beside your bedside to increase your sexual power.
Citrine can be worn to boost your positive energy. When placed in the home, it will bring you luck.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we introduced Carnelian and Citrine. We compared their properties and how they can be used.
Hi, my name is Andrea Daehma and I have been collecting and using crystals in my everyday life for just over six years now.
I have my own collection of crystals gracing my house, several for every scenario I could think of.
Learning about crystals has truly changed my life, and I want to help others turn their life around too. Please enjoy my website and find your own small stone to begin your crystal journey with!
