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Stone Lore
Citrine is a variety of the mineral
quartz. Most citrines are heat
treated amethysts or smoky quartz.
Natural citrines (unenhanced) are
mostly pale lemon yellow color. T
he name citrine is derived from the
French word "citron", which means
lemon. Citrines are found primarily
in Brazil. They are available in a
pale yellow, to gold, to Madeira,
which is orange to brownish orange.
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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 Ira’ 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.
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