Citrine: Mellow Yellow

Citrine is one of the most reasonably priced gemstones, thanks to the sturdiness and accessibility of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon,” citron," many Citrines have a juicy lemon colour.

Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of translucent quartz. Sunny and reasonably priced, citrine can make brighter almost any jewellery style, joining together particularly well with the yellow glimmer of polished gold.

In ancient times, citrine was carried as a defence against snake venom and evil thoughts.
Although the darker, orange colours of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the colour of the wine, has usually been the most appreciated colour, in modern times, many people have a preference to the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colours. Citrine is usually more reasonably priced than amethyst and is also obtainable 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 inaccurate. This name was used in the past in reference to the colour, which is sometimes similar to the colour of topaz. Since topaz is an unconnected mineral, this type of name can be perplexing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an option to topaz as the birthstone for November.

Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its colour 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.