All about Citrine

Citrine gemstones

Named after the French word for lemon (citron), citrine is a relatively inexpensive gemstone, prized for its bright colour and warm hues. Originally produced as a substitute for the more expensive topaz, some unscrupulous jewellers may still today try to pass off citrine as "Brazilian topaz", "topaz quartz" or the like.

What is citrine?Back to top

Citrine is the rarest gemstone of the quartz family. All quartzes are made primarily from Silicon Oxide, with small ferrous oxide impurities giving citrine its rich yellow colours. Naturally occuring citrine is much rarer than aother forms of quartz, but a fortuitous discovery in the 18th Century meant that a ready supply of yellow citrines could be produced by carefully heating amethysts or smoky quartz gemstones. A ready supply of suitable quartz from South America and a newly wealthy middle class, meant that citrine jewellery was soon to be seen adorning the necks of ladies all around Europe. Much antique jewellery from this period uses citrine as the main gemstone as the only other readily available yellow gemstone was topaz.

What makes a good citrine?Back to top

Naturally occuring citrines have a slightly cloudy appearance, whereas heat treatment produces a slightly reddish tint and a subtle banded appearance. Since most citrines sold today are head treated, the value of citrine is relatively low and it is not particularly prized as a gemstone. Natural citrines, where available, do command a higher price, due to their scarcity. Other things to look for in a citrine include the skill of the cutting, clarity and colour. The fact that citrine is often sold as fake topaz has also sullied its reputation as a gemstone, but taken on its own merits, as a more mellow, affordable yellow gemstone, citrine does have its own charm.

How to care for citrineBack to top

As a form of quartz, citrine is hardwearing and does not scratch easily. It is also resistant to cleavage and so will not chip or break easily and can be used in ultrasonic jewellery cleaners. It is however heat-sensitive and should be protected from excessive heat or sunlight.

Famous CitrinesBack to top

As far as we can tell, there are no famous citrine gemstones, but if you know of any please do let us know.

Myths and legendsBack to top

As a relatively modern gemstone, there are not too many stories about the mystical properties of citrine. Those that do appear are probably a mis-atribution to the more traditional yellow gemstone - topaz.

Place of origin

Most citrine comes from Rio Grande do Sol in Southern Brazil. There are also some mines in the USA, France and Madagascar.

Technical informationBack to top