Apart from being a November birthstone, it’s also known as the 1-year anniversary gemstone!
Deriving its name from the French word “citron,” this popular yellow gemstone means lemon. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts; it was also believed to heighten awareness.
As a family of the mineral species quartz, citrine is rare in nature. Much citrine in the market these days are actually amethyst heat-treated to turn it to yellow.
As the top selling yellow-orange gem, it’s an attractive alternative for topaz as well as yellow sapphire. It’s affordable and readily available up to 20 carats. However, note that high-quality citrine is cut to maximize the intensity of its color, not for its size.
Its color ranges from transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange. However, a truly prized citrine is one with a saturated yellow to reddish orange color, free of brownish tints. Those with earthy hues – deep brownish or reddish orange – are popular shades in the contemporary market.
The top sources for natural citrine are Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, and Uruguay. Amethyst that’s typically heat-treated to citrine color is mined mostly in Brazil.
While citrine is durable and able to hold up to everyday wear, you do not want to expose it to sunlight for extended period of time. High heat can cause color change. Easy to care for, you only need to use a mild dish soap and warm water.
Image credit: GIA
– 214.91 ct citrine by Michael Dyber (top)
– Citrines of different colors (center)
– Fine examples of citrine colors (bottom)
Jem Boxx 