Citrine
is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and
availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for
lemon,"citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.
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 Iraâ mine produces
an additional 100 kilos a month of hammered goods.
Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz
quartz, which is incorrect. 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.