Natural Citrine
Most people are familiar with quartz crystals, the pure, colorless variety of this popular mineral. It is so often associated with quartz watches, as the crystal is responsible for powering quartz movements.
The second most known variety is amethyst, the purple version of quartz, which is probably the most popular when it comes to jewelry and decorative items.
When it comes to citrine, few people realize it belongs to the quartz family and confuse it with other yellow stones such as topaz or yellow sapphire, or even fancy yellow diamond.
But citrine quartz is a popular gemstone because of its bright yellow to amber and cognac colors, and because of its very reasonable and accessible price points.
The yellow or orange shades of quartz are known for their warm, sunny, and vibrant hues. The origin of Citrine Quartz can be traced back to many countries, including Brazil, Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Scotland, and Russia.
The name citrine is derived from the French word "citron" which means lemon, very appropriate for this lemon-yellow stone.
Gemological Properties of Citrine Quartz
Chemical Composition: SIO2 with the cause of color - iron
Hues: Pale yellow color, to light yellow, yellow to orange color, to reddish-orange (called Madeira) citrine, to vibrant orange
Hardness: 7
Toughness: Good
Crystal System: Hexagonal (Trigonal)
Optical Properties
Dispersion: Low
Surface Luster: Vitreous (glasslike)
Transparency: Transparent to Translucent
Treatment: Heat-treated, and by heating amethyst to improve color
Size Range: 1-20 carats
The carat weight of citrine quartz varies widely, with larger stones being rarer than smaller ones. Cutters often cut citrine into faceted shapes to increase its brilliance and shine and the beauty of the stones lends itself well to fantasy cuts. The clarity of Citrine Quartz can range from eye-clean to heavily included. But because there is no shortage of eye-clean citrine, you will rarely find heavily included citrines in the marketplace
Colors of Citrine Quartz
Citrine quartz occurs in shades ranging from pale yellow to deep amber. The color of citrine quartz depends on the presence of iron impurities in the crystal structure.
It can also be heat-treated to enhance its color or even artificially created in a laboratory. Most citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst! Ametrine is a crystal that exhibits both purple and yellow in a single stone.
Healing Properties of Citrine Quartz
Most varieties of quartz are known for their positive influences on humans. Amethyst is purported to ward off drunkenness, colorless rock crystal quartz has a positive effect on arthritis, depression, and chronic fatigue. Rose quartz is said to protect the heart.
Citrine is believed to have many healing properties. Some people believe that it can help relieve stress and anxiety, while others say it can promote creativity and bring abundance and success.
Citrine is also believed to enhance mental clarity, promote motivation, and attract abundance. If consumers realized how citrine promotes well-being, a lot more of these beautiful gems would be sold!
Other Minerals and Gemstones that Resemble Citrine Quartz
Some minerals can resemble Citrine Quartz, such as Topaz and Smoky Quartz. Topaz is often found in similar colors to citrine, but it is a harder mineral and far more rare.
Smoky Quartz has a brown or smoky-gray color, while Citrine Quartz is more yellow or orange.
Amber has a very similar range of colors as citrine, but you will notice that the surface of amber appears somewhat oily or resinous. In addition, amber will feature many natural internal characteristics, whereas citrine is usually eye-clean.
Madeira Citrine
The deep, orange cognac color stones are sometimes called Madeira, which can be confusing, as fine quality topaz also resembles that color and is called imperial topaz, however, it is far rarer than citrine which is reflected in its premium prices.
Availability and Rarity of Citrine Quartz
Citrine quartz is widely available (which explains the very reasonable prices 😁) and is not considered a rare gemstone. However, high-quality stones with great color, clarity, and cut can be expensive. Synthetic Citrine Quartz is also available in the marketplace and is less expensive than natural citrine.
Prevalence of Citrine Quartz
Citrine Quartz is a popular stone used in jewelry making. Because it is plentiful, It is often featured in pendants, earrings, and rings. Some popular designs include citrine solitaire rings and cluster necklaces.
Many famous designers have incorporated Citrine into their work, including Bvlgari, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. Very often you find designs that feature many combinations of colored gemstones and you can be sure that citrine will always be included and many times paired with amethyst quartz for an attractive contrast.
Our Picks
Here are five gorgeous pieces of citrine jewelry designed and produced by Angara Canada. Click the links below the images to learn more and to see all the available options.
Citrine Twist Rope Split Shank Ring
Bezel-Set Round Citrine Solitaire Pendant
Bezel-Set Baguette Citrine Solitaire Curb Link Ring
Solitaire Emerald-Cut Citrine Split Shank Ring
Bezel-Set Solitaire Round Citrine Beaded Halo Studs
FAQs
Here you will find questions that are often asked about citrine quartz. If you have a question and do not see the response here, please leave it below in our question and comments section.
What is citrine quartz?
Citrine quartz is a golden yellow-to-orange variety of Quartz, a silicon dioxide mineral. It is known for its warm and vibrant hues, making it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, such as citrine crystal geodes.
What are the physical properties of citrine quartz?
Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, a vitreous luster, and a hexagonal crystal structure. It is transparent to translucent.
What causes the color of citrine quartz?
The color of Citrine Quartz is caused by the presence of iron impurities within the crystal structure. The intensity of the color depends on the concentration of these impurities.
What are the metaphysical properties of citrine quartz?
Citrine quartz is believed to promote mental clarity, motivation, and abundance. It is also said to enhance creativity and relieve stress with its vibrant energy.
Are there any astrological associations with citrine quartz?
Citrine Quartz is the zodiac stone for Sagittarius and is the November birthstone.
What are the various colors of citrine quartz?
Citrine quartz occurs in shades ranging from pale yellow to deep amber. The color depends on the presence and amount of iron impurities in the molecular structure.
Can citrine quartz undergo any treatments?
Citrine quartz can be heat-treated to enhance its color or even artificially created in a laboratory. Heat treatment can cause purple amethyst or smoky quartz to turn into citrine. All citrine is heat-treated citrine. Heat treatment must be disclosed to customers.
How do I care for my citrine quartz jewelry?
Citrine quartz can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperature changes, such as steam machines.
What factors affect the value of citrine quartz?
The value of citrine quartz is influenced by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. High-quality stones with great color, clarity, and cut are more valuable.
How is citrine quartz used in jewelry?
Citrine quartz is often used in pendants, earrings, and rings. Popular designs include golden citrine solitaire rings and citrine cluster necklaces.
Can I wear citrine every day?
Yes, wearing citrine jewelry daily is fine; with its good hardness and toughness it will stand up well to normal wear and tear.
What are some popular beliefs surrounding citrine quartz?
Citrine quartz is believed to bring abundance, success, and prosperity. It is also known as the "Merchant's Stone" because it is said to attract wealth and success in business. It is believed to relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
How can I tell if my citrine quartz is genuine?
Genuine citrine quartz will have a vitreous luster and may show some inclusions under magnification. A gemologist can perform tests to confirm the authenticity of your stone. Imitation or fake citrine, such as yellow-colored glass may exhibit air bubbles, real citrine will not.
Can citrine quartz be confused with other gemstones?
Citrine quartz can be mistaken for topaz and smoky quartz due to their similar colors. However, topaz is harder than citrine, while smoky quartz has a brown or smoky-gray color.
Is synthetic citrine available?
Yes, synthetic citrine quartz is available in the market. It is cheaper than natural citrine but will lack the unique inclusions and characteristics of natural stones.
What are the healing properties of citrine quartz?
Citrine quartz is believed to help relieve stress and anxiety, invigorate creativity, and promote abundance and success.
Are there any famous citrine quartz pieces or designers?
Famous designers like Bvlgari, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. have incorporated citrine quartz into their designs.
How do I choose the best citrine quartz for me?
Choose a citrine quartz that appeals to your personal taste in terms of color, size, and shape. Consider factors such as the stone's clarity, cut, and carat weight when making your decision. Citrine jewelry is found in a range of colors and can be found in most chain jewelry stores. Each stone will have its own unique color, so try them all on to determine which shade looks best against your skin. If you believe in the physical healing properties of quartz crystals, that may be another reason to bring citrine, with its positive energy, into your life.
Is citrine quartz considered a rare gemstone?
Citrine quartz is not considered a rare gemstone, but high-quality, large stones with good color, clarity, and cut can be expensive.
In Conclusion
Citrine quartz is a beautiful and versatile gemstone with many metaphysical and healing properties. Its warm and vibrant hues make it a popular choice for jewelry making, and its availability ensures that it is accessible to everyone. Whether you're looking to promote abundance and success or add some crystal healing to your jewelry collection, citrine quartz is a gemstone that's worth considering.
Caring For Your Citrine Jewelry
Warm Water and Mild Soap: Mix warm water and a mild soap or detergent in a bowl. Soak your citrine jewelry for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the stones and remove any dirt or grime. Rinse the jewelry under running water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and rough handling to maintain its beauty.
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Francesca de Granville, G.G. (GIA) F.G.A.
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