Strand of genuine citrine square beads, 42 cm length, beads approx. 1 mm with 0.4 mm hole. The square cut exposes four flat faces that refract light differently from conventional cabochons, creating a golden mosaic effect in the finished piece. For micro-jewelry, metal embroidery, and fine wire creations.
Product Details
| Mineral |
Genuine Citrine (quartz, variety) |
| Format |
Square beads on strand, 42 cm |
| Bead Size |
Approx. 1 mm per bead |
| Hole |
Approx. 0.4 mm — compatible with ultra-fine wire |
| Finish |
Polished square faceted |
| Color |
Golden yellow to pale amber (natural variation) |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for setting and jewelry |
| Origin |
Material acquired from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
This Specific Piece
Genuine citrine with yellow-amber tones has the characteristic transparency of quartz, which in square beads translates into a slight lateral refraction visible even in 1 mm pieces. Unlike heat-treated citrine (artificial intense orange color), this material shows hues ranging from pale lemon to medium amber, with natural variations along the strand.
The 42 cm format is ideal for designers working with repetitive sets: it can be cut into segments, used whole for a necklace, or integrated into metal embroidery techniques with twist wire.
Suitable Uses
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Micro-jewelry and Metal Embroidery — The 0.4 mm hole allows for ultra-fine wire (0.2-0.3 mm). Suitable for traditional artisanal jewelry embroidery.
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Complete Necklace or Bracelet — The 42 cm strand is enough for a short necklace or a double bracelet without splices.
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Delicate Wire Wrap — 1 mm square beads integrate as spacers or accents in fine silver wire wrap pieces.
Citrine in Lapidary Tradition
Genuine citrine is rarer than it seems: most commercial "citrine" is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Natural citrine owes its color to traces of iron in the quartz crystal lattice; it was called "merchant's topaz" in the 19th century due to its resemblance to golden topaz. In crystal tradition, citrine is associated with abundance, solar energy, and positive thinking.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it genuine citrine or heat-treated?
No detectable treatment. The natural golden-yellow color does not reach the intense orange tones of heat-treated citrine. The statement is based on lapidary observation; it does not include formal gemological certification.
What length of strand will I receive?
One 42 cm strand of approx. 1 mm square citrine beads. The exact number of beads varies depending on spacing and batch.
Is it compatible with embroidery techniques?
Yes — the 0.4 mm hole is compatible with fine jewelry embroidery needles and ultra-fine twist wire for metal embroidery.
How to differentiate natural from treated citrine?
Natural citrine has lemon-yellow to soft amber tones. Heat-treated citrine has a very uniform intense orange. Under magnification, natural may show small inclusions; treated is usually visually cleaner.
How to care for it?
Avoid ultrasonics and steam with strung beads (the string may weaken). Clean with a dry cloth. See care guide.
See also: cabochons for jewelry.
