Citrine is a wonderfully golden-yellow to reddish-brown gemstone. This warm toned jewel is reminiscent of a mellow white wine with a hint of shimmering sunshine. Often confused with golden topaz, citrine rings, earrings, brooches and pendants are a gorgeous option in their own right, and pleasingly more affordable than topaz.
The following guide will explore some interesting facts about citrine gems.
Introduction to Citrine Gems
The name of this lovely gemstone is derived from the Latin word ‘citrina’, meaning yellow. It is a coloured variety of the quartz mineral family and citrine in its natural state is actually highly rare. Its colour spans a pale yellow, a deep gold and a rich reddish brown.
In the 18th century, it was discovered that smoky quartz and amethyst would turn yellow when treated by heat between 470 and 560 degrees – thus most citrine gems that are found on the market today are in fact heat treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Meanwhile, the deep golden yellow citrine from Madeira in Spain closely resembles the more expensive Imperial topaz, but in fact has little in common with it except for the colour.
Natural citrine gets its beautiful golden hue from the presence of iron trace elements present in quartz. Interestingly, the oxidation of the iron impurities when heated causes amethyst’s purple colour to fade and become a yellow to reddish-orange colour, forming citrine.
This gem did not become popular in Europe until the 1930’s, when cutters from Idar-Obertein in Brazil and Uruguay sent large quantities of citrine to Idar-Oberstein in Hunsruck (one of the world’s greatest gemstone centres).
Main Sources of Citrine
The main source of citrine gemstones is Brazil, particularly the state of Rio Grande do Sol. Citrine is also found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in Dauphine (France), Madagascar and some countries in Africa. Citrine can also be found in Hungary, Spain and the Scottish Isle of Arran.
Citrine Buyers Tips
• Only a trained specialist will be able to truly recognise the signs of citrine that has been heat treated, but generally, the heat treated variety has subtle stripes while the yellow of the natural gems tends to be cloudy.
• If this type of quartz is coloured by inclusions of any kind, it cannot be called citrine.
• Citrine has a vitreous (glassy) lustre and weighs 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it fairly durable when set into jewellery that is subject to daily wear and tear.
• Citrine is the most affordable of all the earth-toned gemstones and will beautifully complement all the warm hues in a wardrobe. In addition, citrine’s sunny shades are perfect to light up black and grey clothing or contrast against blue.
• The price and value of citrine gems can vary tremendously depending on their size and quality.
Zodiac & Health Benefits
Citrine is called ‘The Stone of the Mind’, since ancient cultures believed that the gem increases psychic powers. It is also believed to be a lucky stone for those in business, especially sales. Citrine is also thought to increase one’s self esteem, protect the wearer from negative energy and promote clarity of thinking.
In health terms, citrine is considered to be beneficial to the endocrine and digestive system, eliminating and cleansing poisons which have built up over time and relieving constipation and diabetes. It is also believed to relieve depression plus bring joy and love to the wearer.
Conclusion
From citrine rings and earrings to brooches and pendants, these superb gemstones feature radiant, warm hues that are sure to bring cheer to any mood or wardrobe.
Author Bio:- Julia Littlewood is a Jewellery Designer. She is passionate about ornaments, gems and stones. If you want to explore the most vibrant and widest range of jewellery pieces , she suggests you to visit The Jewellery Channel. Julia loves joining parties, fashion shows, exhibitions apart from designing costume jewelleries and writing articles for her followers.
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