Everything you need to know about Citrine Gemstone
The gemstone citrine is quite uncommon. Its tawny tint made it difficult to distinguish from topaz in the days before modern gemology.
Today, it is the most popular yellow-to-orange gem because of its eye-catching hue, durability, and affordable cost compared to other gemstones. However, the most sought-after colour for citrine in today's market is an earthy, rich, brownish or reddish orange.
Description
Rare in nature is the form of quartz known as citrine, which may vary in colour from very light yellow to brownish orange. As a result of its tawny hue, it was often mistaken for topaz in the days before modern gemology.
Citrine is the most popular yellow to orange gemstone because of its eye-catching hue, durability, and inexpensive cost (shared with most other quartzes). It is a desirable substitute not only for yellow sapphire but also for topaz in many situations.
The most desirable hue for citrine is one that is completely devoid of brownish undertones and ranges from a rich yellow to a reddish-orange.
Natural citrine is scarce. Thus most citrine on the market has been treated with heat, which also changes the hue of some amethyst from an unappealing light violet to a more acceptable yellow. In addition, the initial shade of the amethyst may affect the intensity of the citrine's yellow tint once it has been transformed.
Citrine crystals may vary from very small to very large; gemstones weighing up to 20 carats can be found in jewellery stores.
Citrine is a warm yellow stone that may be found in various normal shapes and sizes. Still, it has also been fashioned by numerous high-end jewellery designers and gem carvers into uncommon cuts for jewellery and carvings.
Facts
| Absorption Spectrum | Birefringence | Colours |
| Not diagnostic | 0.009 | Yellow to Red-Orange, also deep orange and orangey brown. |
| Birthstone | Cleavage | Dispersion |
| November | None | 0.013 |
| Crystallography | Fracture Luster | Etymology |
| Hexagonal (trigonal) | Vitreous | From the old French citrin, meaning yellow. |
| Enhancements | Inclusions | Occurrence |
| Amethyst and smoky quartz can be heat treated to change them to citrine. "Madeira" citrine with red flashes is a result of heat treatment. | Natural quartz stones, including citrine, may have liquid, bread crumbs, zebra stripes, two and three-phase inclusions, and negative crystals | Generally in pegmatites and veins. Found in geodes in alluvial deposits |
| Formula | Hardness | Fracture |
| SiO2 | 7 | Conchoidal |
| Optic Sign | Lustre | Optics |
| Uniaxial + | Vitreous | o = 1.544; e = 1.553 (very constant). Uniaxial (+) |
| Pleochroism | Polish Luster | Transparency |
| Very weak, different shades of yellow or orange. | Vitreous. | Transparent. |
| Refractive Index | Specific Gravity | Variety of |
| 1.544-1.553 | 2.651 (very constant) | Quartz |
| Typical Treatments | Wearability | |
| Heat Treatment | Very Good |
History
People have used quartz to make jewellery for thousands and thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians would collect ornately striped agates from the beach and use them as talismans. Ancient Greeks would carve rock crystal jewellery that would shimmer like permanent frost.
The hands of Roman pontiffs would be adorned with rings set with enormous purple amethysts. In modern times, heat treatment of amethyst quartz has produced the vast majority of citrine quartz, making natural citrine somewhat uncommon.
However, gems from the Victorian period have been discovered, so it's not hard to assume that citrine was highly valued even back then.
Citrine used to be known as the "Rodney Dangerfield" of the gemstone world. So said, it would "get no regard" because of how common it is. However, recent decades have seen a shift in this belief, partly due to the popularity of jewellery in earth tones.
The many different tones of citrine have been heavily promoted by home shopping networks using appealing descriptors like "butterscotch" and "whiskey." It seems this strategy was successful. Recently, citrine has been considered a viable substitute for the traditional November birthstone.
It's true that mining only produces a small amount of citrine. Most citrines sold today are made by heating smoky quartz (which yields pale to medium yellows) with amethyst (which produces stronger yellows and orange-red to orangey-brown shades). The most common hue for natural stones is a creamy yellow, sometimes tinged with grey or brown.
Citrines span the colour spectrum from a pale lemon yellow to a deep orange with crimson overtones. This standard definition only deals with colour and does not specify the location.
Stone Size
Citrines are hardy gems that may be worn as jewellery without much in the way of upkeep. In contrast, heat may cause the colour of stones that have been treated to fade.
As a result, you shouldn't put your citrine jewellery in the dishwasher or microwave. Try ultrasonic cleaning instead, or use warm water, a little light detergent, and a gentle brush.
Citrines are typically devoid of inclusions, although stones with a poor clarity grade may include substances like liquids, gases, or crystals that may only be removed via manual cleaning. Therefore, you shouldn't use ultrasonic cleaning on natural citrines, but ones that have been heat treated should be OK.
Stone Care
Some citrines weigh hundreds of carats. Brazilian gems weighing 2,258, 1,180, 783, 278.265, and 217.4 carats are displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The bulk of major museums stocks their shelves with such trinkets.
FAQs
What is citrine stone good for?
Citrine is a stone connected with enthusiasm and optimism, which is not unexpected considering the bright hue of the stone.
It is often utilized as an aid in the process of creating financial plenty and possibilities. It's also useful for reawakening the solar plexus chakra, boosting self-esteem and willpower.
Why is citrine so powerful?
Citrine is a potent regenerator and cleanser, which is why some people feel it might also be useful in repairing one's spiritual self.
It bears the values of self-healing, inspiration, and self-improvement within its sphere of influence. Moreover, since it carries the sun's force, it is a fantastic tool for conquering feelings of despair, anxiety, and phobias.
Is citrine a lucky stone?
Citrine, often known as the "Lucky Merchant's Stone," is an excellent tool for bringing about favourable circumstances.
This precious diamond will benefit one's financial situation and commercial endeavours to pursue success. It often comes in a sunny yellow hue and will provide the motivation you need to carry out a financially fruitful endeavour to its natural conclusion.
How do you activate citrine?
You may purify the citrine by utilizing sage, music, sunshine, flowing water, or any other technique that you find appealing. Then, place your dominant hand on the citrine crystal and send your positive thoughts or words of affirmation into the stone.