Citrine - A Warm, Sunlit Gemstone Gifted by Nature

What is Citrine?

Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz, and its name comes from the Old French word for lemon. Its warm colour is said to be a gift from the sun, making this golden gemstone the perfect option for brightening up a typically chilly autumnal month. Citrine has been a popular decorative gemstone since ancient times.

Those born in November are lucky enough to have two stunning gems as their birthstones. One is topaz, which comes in various colours, and the other is sunny citrine.

Citrine History and Lore

It is also said to spark imagination and encourage fresh beginnings and prosperity. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. The Egyptians were among the first to discover the yellow stone and used the gems as talismans. The ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them and shaped them into rock crystal ornaments, while Roman priests made them into rings.

Between 300 and 150 BC they were found on the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland. While thought to be added for decorative purposes, the stone was also considered as protection. Today, citrine is known as the ‘merchant’s stone’ and is associated with success and wealth.

Varieties of Citrines

Yellow Citrine

Yellow citrine is a common type of citrine with colours ranging from light yellow to deep gold. It's known for being clear and shiny, without many flaws. Yellow citrine comes from places like Brazil and Madagascar. People believe it brings good things like success and happiness, and it's often used in jewellery or for healing purposes. It's thought to make you feel confident and clear-headed.

Golden Citrine

Golden citrine is a type of citrine with a deep, rich yellow colour, like pure gold. It's valued for its warm and shiny appearance. Just like other citrine, it can be clear or have some flaws. You can find golden citrine in places like Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. People believe it brings good things like wealth and positive energy. Because of its colour, it's thought to make you feel more creative, confident, and strong. Many people like to wear it as jewellery or use it for healing purposes to feel better about themselves. Overall, golden citrine shines bright like the sun and makes you feel happy and successful.

Madeira Citrine

The Madeira name comes from the Brazilian word meaning ‘wood’ or ‘wood coloured’. Most madeira citrine comes from heating amethyst with a brownish core to get the warm yellow or orange colour. The primary sources come from the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar.

Lemon Citrine

In the enchanting realm of gemstones, lemon citrine stands as a beacon of brightness and cheer, akin to the sun-kissed hue of a ripe lemon on a summer's day. Its delicate yellow tones dance like sunlight through citrus groves, infusing surroundings with a sense of zest and vitality. It's found in places like Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia and can be very clear or have some natural marks. People think it brings good feelings like happiness and creativity. Lemon citrine shines like sunlight, filling life with energy and brightness. It's like a little spark of joy that makes everything feel more vibrant and exciting.

Synthetics

Citrines can be grown hydrothermally in labs. Although natural quartz is common and inexpensive, synthetic quartz can be manufactured in sufficient quantities and cheaply. This makes the practice economically viable.

Enhancements

Turning natural smoky quartz and amethyst to citrine via heat treatment usually occurs right at the mine. However, this stable treatment is fully accepted within the gem trade. Colourless quartz stones are also irradiated and heated to produce "lemon quartz," stones with a neon, slightly greenish yellow colour.

Heat treating citrines with the proper iron content creates the prized "Madeira" colour. However, no simple way of testing the iron content of citrine exists. Therefore, processors must monitor this treatment carefully.