C
CITRINE
Citrine comes from the French word “citron” meaning “lemon.” In 1385, the term “citrine” was first used in reference to yellow gemstones.Citrine is Quartz. It gets its color from iron (Fe3+). Citrine has a color range from pale yellow to brownish orange, orange-yellow to brownish/greenish, greenish-yellow. Since ancient times it has often been mistaken for topaz. Today, the most sought-after color of Citrine is a deeply saturated reddish-orange, which can include the Madeira Citrine (gold-orange to reddish-brown) and the Fire Citrine (deep red-orange). It is rare to find in nature. Most citrine on the market is a result of heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. In the case of amethyst heat treatment changes the iron from Fe4+ to Fe3+ turning the purple into pale yellow to brownish-orange to reddish-orange color. The Moh’s hardness of Citrine is 7.
Citrine can be found in Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay, Russia, France, Scotland, and the United States of America. Fire Citrine is a trade name for heat treated citrine that comes from the Linha Estefania Mine in Brazil. Madeira Citrine is a trade name for a specific color of heat treated amethyst that comes from Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul, Madagascar, Uruguay, and Zambia.
In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler’s made Citrine the birthstone for November. It is the stone for the 13th Wedding Anniversary. Citrine is associated with the zodiac signs of Scorpio, Sagittarius, Leo, and Cancer.
Egyptians used citrine as talismans. In Ancient Greece, in the Hellenistic Age (between 300 and 150 BCE), it was used as a decorative gem where they carved iconic images into it. Roman priests fashioned them into rings. Medieval Celts used citrine amulets to bring health and ward off disease and poison. In the 17th century, Scottish men used citrine for decorative purposes on the pommel of their daggers and swords. Citrine grew popular in the Victorian Era (1800s).
Historically, Citrine has been associated with calming, soothing tempers, increasing intelligence and happiness, accumulating wealth and success, and attracting love and prosperity. They thought it protected one from heartache, evil thoughts, and snake venom and carried the power and energy of the Sun.
Care:
High heat or abrupt temperature changes can cause the stone to crack. Citrine can fade with prolonged exposure to intense light. Steam cleaning is risky. Ultrasonic machines are okay as is warm water and mild soap. Dry with a soft cloth so no spots are left behind.