Beautiful citrine sphere with rainbow inclusions

A polished citrine sphere from Zambia, with rainbow-colored inclusions inside. The fine microcavities and growth lamellae refract the light, creating the iris phenomenon, a gemologically prized effect.

Citrine is the yellow quartz variety, colored by traces of trivalent iron. The rainbow-colored reflections are caused by light refraction at tiny internal structural discontinuities, a phenomenon known as iris quartz or rainbow quartz.

Such inclusions are authentic growth traces: no treatment can create them later. A heat-treated amethyst (often falsely sold as citrine in the trade) does not show these fine structures.

Zambian citrine deposits around Kalomo are considered a premium source for naturally grown, gem-quality citrine. The 10 cm sphere is a collector's size for display in a showcase.

A piece with clear mineralogical authenticity and visual play in the light.