Oco Geode Agate Pendant with Citrine Crystal (gold)

Portuguese for “hollow,” Oco Geodes are found in the steep hills of Tres Pinheiros in the state of  Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Ocos can range in size from one inch up to five or six inches in diameter. Quartz crystals commonly line the inside of these spectacular geodes, and rarely the crystals are amethyst. Many of the Ocos contain black needle-like crystals (probably goethite) among the quartz. Ocos are easily distinguished by their “rope-like” surface on both the inside and outside of the geode. When cut and polished, the rims display prominent white wavy or flame-like patterns similar to their Trancas geode cousins.

Citrine

November Alternative Birthstone

One of the many members of the quartz family, citrine, like amethyst, gets its striking yellow hue from traces of iron. It derives its name from its lemon-yellow color. Natural citrines are usually a pale yellow, and most commercial citrines are actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Metaphysically, citrine is known as the “merchant’s stone” or “money stone,” and is said to bring prosperity. Deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, USA, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.