Citrine

Citrine is a transparent variety of quartz ranging in color from pale yellow to deep golden orange and brownish honey. Its name is derived from the French word 'citron', meaning lemon. While natural citrine is rare, much of the citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. It is one of the most popular and affordable yellow gemstones.

Formation & Geology

Natural citrine is formed when quartz is subjected to high temperatures within the earth, often near igneous intrusions. The color comes from colloidal iron hydrates or trace amounts of iron in the crystal lattice. It is found in geodes and veins, often alongside amethyst. Most commercial supply comes from Brazil.

Physical Characteristics

As a variety of quartz, citrine has a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, making it a rugged stone for any type of jewelry. It has a vitreous luster and a conchoidal fracture. Unlike many other gemstones, citrine's color is very stable and does not typically fade in sunlight.

Historical Significance

Citrine has been used as a decorative gemstone for thousands of years. It was popular in ancient Greece and Rome and saw a major resurgence during the Victorian era and the Art Deco period. In folklore, it is often called the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone', believed to attract wealth and prosperity. It is the birthstone for November, along with topaz.

Natural vs. Heat-Treated Citrine

Most citrine on the market today is produced by heating amethyst (purple quartz) or smoky quartz. Heat-treated citrine typically has a reddish tint and "tiger-stripe" inclusions, while natural citrine is usually a pale, uniform champagne or smoky yellow. Both are real quartz, but natural unheated citrine is much rarer and prized by collectors.