Citrine

Citrine — Golden Colours in the Quartz Family

Citrine is a gemstone belonging to the quartz family and is the yellow to brownish orange variety of the mineral. Its shades range from pale yellow to deep, warm colours, and it is available in a variety of sizes and cuts.

Its colour is related to iron in the crystal structure. Although it was sometimes confused with topaz in the past, these are two different minerals.

Gemological Properties

Property	Information
Mineral	Quartz
Main chemical composition	Silicon dioxide — SiO₂
Colours	Pale yellow to brownish orange, sometimes reddish orange
Hardness	7 on the Mohs scale
Refractive index	1.544–1.553
Specific gravity	Approximately 2.66
Transparency	Transparent in material suitable for cutting as a gemstone

These are reference values, rather than measurements of an individual stone.

Natural-Colour Citrine and Heat-Treated Citrine

Citrine with naturally occurring colour is uncommon in nature. Most citrine on the market is produced by heating amethyst, the purple variety of quartz.

It is important to distinguish the origin of the stone from the origin of its colour: quartz formed in nature and subsequently heated is a natural stone that has undergone treatment. Known treatments should be disclosed when describing the stone.

Quality, Cutting and Price

Colour, clarity, cut quality and weight influence citrine’s value. Eye-visible inclusions may reduce its value, and stones of the same weight can differ in quality and appearance.

Setting and Care

Citrine is suitable for pendants, earrings and rings, with care against scratches and impact. A hardness of 7 provides useful durability but does not prevent damage.

For cleaning at home, use lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid steam cleaning and sudden changes in temperature. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually suitable for a sound stone, but not for fracture-filled or dyed stones, and the condition of the jewellery must also be considered.

Some stones may fade with prolonged exposure to intense light.

Sources Around the World

Brazil is a familiar source of quartz marketed as citrine, including amethyst whose colour was changed by heating. Bolivia's Anahí mine is known for natural unheated citrine. Geographical origin alone does not establish colour treatment.

Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning — Beliefs and Traditions

This stone’s name comes from the French word "citron", which means lemon.
Well-known as "The Stone of Plenty”, it strengthens one’s decisiveness and encourages self-confidence. You can see it in wallets and on senior executive desks.
Citrine is relaxing and revitalizing, and especially loved by children.
Citrine helps one see life in is proper proportions, clarifies our thoughts and helps people to express themselves clearly. It is beneficial when there is a need for assertiveness, such as when requesting a raise in pay. It is good for dealing with concentration problems in children, and for people facing an audience, as it strengthens the clarity of thought and memory; and it is recommended to hold the citrine while studying for an exam.
Citrine is also the best stone for treating urinary tract infections and indigestion. It often provides immediate relief in cases of diarrhea and constipation.

These meanings belong to the realm of belief and symbolism. They can give jewellery personal significance, but they are not proven gemological properties or a promise of healing, protection or a change in health.

Citrine in Personal Jewellery

At TzurGems, we examine the stone and plan a design that gives its colour room to be seen. Guy’s gemological knowledge and Rafael’s craftsmanship come together in selecting the stone, proportions and setting to create a personal piece.