All About Citrine
Citrine is the yellow variety of gem we love here at Hunters Fine Jewellery.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about citrine and citrine jewellery.
What is Citrine?
Natural citrine is a beautiful yellow stone variety of quartz. Golden citrine ranges in colour from palest lemon to honey and butterscotch, to whisky and deep reddish orange.
Madeira Citrine
Highly prized is the reddish orange Madeira Citrine, named after Madeira Wine. This deep yellow variety of citrine can sometimes be confused with topaz or smoky quartz due to its reddish orange hue.
Is Citrine Rare?
It may surprise you though to know that natural citrine is very rare. Most citrine crystal is actually purple amethyst, often from Brazil, that has been heat-treated. Heat treatment of amethyst is common and is often used to create the yellow variety of citrine that we love. How incredible!
Why is Citrine Called Citrine?
The name citrine comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon. Of course citrine gems range from pale yellow to brown or orange in colour.
Where Does Citrine Come From?
Where is citrine found?
The majority of yellow citrine is not natural but is amethyst that is heat-treated, and this is mined mainly in Brazil.
Natural stones that include iron traces are yellow and orange gems found in Bolivia, Madagascar, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay.
Is Citrine a Durable Crystal?
Citrine stones measure 7 on the Mohs scale. Citrine quality factors make it suitable for all types of jewellery and indeed, citrine has been used in jewellery for centuries.
These yellow crystals looks fabulous set with transparent sparkling diamonds or with other gems such as pale brown, orange or smoky quartz.
Citrine Birthstone for November
Citrine is one of two November birthstones, the other being topaz which can be confused with citrine due to its often yellow to brownish tones. Citrine is the yellow stone colour whereas topaz can come in a rainbow of colours.
How lucky are you to be born in November and have this gorgeous yellow gem as your birthstone!
Why is Citrine Yellow?
Natural citrine is the yellow colour quartz we love due to traces of iron impurities in the crystalline quartz. These iron impurities occur so rarely in nature, therefore the vast majority of citrine is heat-treated amethyst. This means that heat-treated citrine is fairly affordable in the gem trade. You can find large sizes and carats and large crystals quite easily.
Is Natural Citrine Expensive?
The natural Madeira Citrine is a much more expensive gem as it is so rare due to its iron content.
The most highly-prized natural citrine gemstones are a clear, yellow to reddish orange crystalline quartz that exude light.
A Gift from the Sun
Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun. It is certainly a beautiful gem that has warmth and light and brings a warm glow to the wearer. The orange colour crystals look especially radiant.
Citrine Jewelry
Citrine has been very popular as gem jewellery and has been used as talismans since ancient times. Topaz and citrine, both November birthstones, are perfect gems for your jewellery collection.
Citrine looks particularly lovely set in gold jewellery and is perfect for rings, gold earrings or necklaces.
The Healing Properties of Citrine
For some, citrine is considered a healing gemstone.
Citrine is said to be calming, soothing and comforting and good for fresh beginnings. Maybe you wear citrine crystal jewellery or keep rock crystal ornaments like the ancient Greeks who carved images into this beautiful crystalline quartz.
The Power of Citrine
Citrine is a lovely sunny gemstone full of light that is said to boost vitality and energy.
It is sometimes called the Merchants' Stone in the belief that it has the power to improve finances and business profits.
Improve Your Wealth
Try placing a citrine in your wallet or safe, or keep some stones in the Feng Shui wealth corner of your home.
Citrine and Chakras
Citrine is a beautiful yellow gemstone to feature in any type of jewellery, but worn as a pendant it is said to work in harmony with the solar plexus chakra.
If your solar plexus chakra is in balance, it empowers you with a sense of identity, purpose and confidence.
How To Care for Citrine
Citrine can be damaged by strong sunlight or heat that can alter its yellow colour. Be careful to protect your gem so it doesn't fade.
How To Clean Citrine Gems
You can clean your citrine gem carefully with a little soapy water and a gentle brush.
We do not recommend steam cleaning this stone.
How To Wear Citrine
We think citrine looks particularly lovely when set in yellow gold, and also when paired with smoky quartz.
Where To Buy Citrine
We have many options for you to choose from in our shop. Browse our collections and find your perfect piece of jewellery. It is a gemstone we will always love to wear.