Citrine

Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this yellow or golden quartz. Citrine gets its name from the French word “citrus” as many of them have a juicy lemon color that is due to the presence of iron in it.

Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold.

In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.

Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.

Most citrine is mined in Brazil.Supply of citrine is good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly from the Serra mine, which is producing 300 kilos a month of hammered goods. The Ira’ mine produces an additional 100 kilos a month of hammered goods. Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.

Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.

The ancients believed that Citrine united the mental, emotional and intuitive selves, bringing a sense of well being and balance to the wearer. The Golden Citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and recommended as a powerful antidote to the viper's venom.
Today it is considered to be a joyous stone symbolizing celebration and rebirth. Citrine is considered, as the gem of light heartedness is believed to bring a good sense of humor to an otherwise unpleasant situation.