Crystals generate, conserve, radiate and amplify energy. Holding a piece of quartz triples the bioenergy field around your body. Depending on the lattice (the internal crystalline structure) some crystals absorb energy and some amplify it. In the particular situation you are asking about, the citrine crystal is taking your intention and amplifying it out into the universe to attract back all that you wish for. The true source of power is your own thoughts and so the crystal (citrine or otherwise) is no substitute for all the usual steps - changing your mental programming, not measuring your self-worth by what you do or don't have, releasing self-limiting beliefs, understanding fundamental law that like attracts like etc. The crystal is another tool to help you achieve your goals.

If you are looking for a Western scientific answer then I am afraid I don't have anything to offer that would convince you. However in a piece about how crystals might work in crystal healing, I found this ...

"Each crystal has one molecule, which is repeated throughout it entire structure. It has inherent order and the ability to adjust rapidly to all kinds of environmental changes. A crystal has a fundamental stability and, at the vibrational level, can maintain a constant electromagnetic signature."

It could be that the citrine crystal has the ability to maintain a constant sunny vibrational signature whereas the electromagnetic fields around the cells in the body fluctuate. The citrine then acts like a tuning fork - encouraging you to raise your frequency to match it. This is the Law of Resonance.

It is really important though that you select the right crystal for you - set your intention before you head out to the store and try to "feel" you way through the experience. If one particular crystal sticks to your fingers then that is the one for you. Hold the crystals in your hands and get a feel for them. Once chosen, thoroughly cleanse (loads of good info in books or on internet) and then programme with your intention ... "I dedicate this crystal to the highest good of all and ask that its power be activated now to work in harmony with my own will and focused intention to create ....". After that the crystal needs to be regularly cleansed and recharged. Crystals do absorb energies ... so this step is important.

I have only recently been drawn to crystals but already I have found they are useful permission slips to let go of things. Tom - for the cost of a crystal and maybe some cleansing drops ... give it a go!

EDIT: update 20 March 2013 Citrine is one of the crystals that never needs cleansing.

On the subject of vibrational energy and crystals, consider this; that there is thought outside humans.

We have to admit that there is intelligence at work throughout the three major divisions of nature; the animal realm, the vegetable realm and the mineral realm and if we try to exclude minerals, all we have to do is think of the mechanisms and phenomena at the nuclear level or at the evolution of stars.

Thought like life, seems to exist at different rythms more or less rapid. In the mineral realm, it's slowness compared with us is so great that we are incapable of discerning it's operation. However, special techniques such as radiesthesia, allow us to probe life and thought at different levels and recognize their presence everywhere in the universe. It is likely that by successive dynamisations homeopathy can liberate the vital forces of apparent inert substances.

I am a Certified Crystal Healer. Citrine is a yellow form of crystalline quartz. It corresponds to the solar plexus. This area has to do with life force and energy. This may be what you are picking up on this in crystal. Please email me about any questions you may have. I will be happy to help on a personal level. There is so much to crystal healing we could talk all day. Please email. There would be no charge for anything we do!

Blessings,

Jai