The Citrine
A cherished and luminous quartz revered as the stone of success and abundance.
Overview
Citrine is perhaps the most frequently purchased yellow gemstone. Deriving its name from the citron fruit, it owes its captivating sunny shades—ranging from pale yellow and golden-orange to reddish-brown—to the presence of iron.
Historically popular among the affluent, it was used by ancient Romans for intaglio work and featured prominently in large, bold Art Deco jewelry designs. While most citrine on the market today is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, natural citrine is exceedingly rare and highly sought after. Brazil remains the leading source, followed by Uruguay, Madagascar, and Russia.
Symbolism
Cherished since ancient times, citrine is believed to bring success, prosperity, and mental clarity to the wearer. Often called the "merchant's stone," it is thought to attract abundance in business, leading many to place it near cash registers.
Renowned for its ability to dispel negativity and exude positive energy, it is considered a stone that never requires "recharging." Believed to hold the power of the sun, this luminous November birthstone is the ultimate symbol of positivity, growth, and happiness.
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, citrine is fairly resistant to scratches and durable enough for everyday jewelry. Radiant and highly affordable, it serves as an incredibly popular alternative to yellow topaz and yellow sapphire.
Treatment
Natural citrines are rare. Because of this, amethyst and smoky quartz are frequently heat-treated to obtain the coveted golden-yellow hue. This stable, industry-standard treatment creates permanent color change. (Note: True, untreated citrine is sometimes referred to as "lemon quartz" if it has a light yellow hue.)
Color & Clarity
In its natural form, it is pale-yellow to golden with hints of smoky brown. Deep colors with reddish tints (often called ‘Madeira’ colored) are highly expensive. A transparent quartz with vitreous luster, most high-quality citrines are "eye-clean." Color zoning decreases value.
Cut & Carat Weight
Available in large sizes, it can be carved into almost any shape, with round and oval being the most popular to maximize color dispersion. Because stones up to 20 carats are readily available, carat size does not drastically inflate the price per carat.
Citrine Grading System
Top 1%
The top 1% of extremely rare citrines belong to this category. They are completely "eye-clean" and boast a distinctive deep golden hue.
Top 10%
This category includes the top 10% of citrines. These beautiful gems are also eye-clean and showcase a radiant golden hue.
Top 33%
In terms of quality, this includes the top 33% of available citrines. They are yellow in color and have only slight inclusions.
Top 75%
Light yellow in hue, this entry-level category comprises stones that have slight to moderate visible inclusions.
Citrine Care Instructions
Citrine is a relatively durable gemstone, but it needs to be treated with care to avoid scratches and damage. Follow these simple dos and don'ts to ensure the long life of this lustrous gem:
- Avoid High Heat: Do not use steam cleaners, and store away from direct sunlight/extreme temperatures, as heat can alter the properties of this gem.
- Ultrasonic Safe: Unlike many other gems, ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for cleaning citrine jewelry.
- Gentle Cleaning: Alternatively, use mild soap and water for cleaning, and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
- Remove Before Activity: Do not wear it while engaging in sports, rigorous outdoor activities, or household work.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep away from harsh chemicals, especially bleach and acids. Apply cosmetics and perfumes before putting on your jewelry.
- Safe Storage: Store citrine jewelry separately in a fabric-lined box to avoid friction with harder gemstones.