Citrine: The November Birthstone

The variety’s name derives from the French word citron, which means lemon, about the stone’s lemon-yellow shade. Citrine got its name after the ancient Greek word chrysoberyl which means ‘gold containing’. 

Citrine has been in use for a long time and it was especially commonly used by the Greeks in making ornaments. Beautiful Citrine gemstone was used in the Roman Empire period in jewelry and in the Middle Ages it was protected from evil and snake venom.

Citrine was widely used in the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s when its clear, bright orange-sickle color was perfect for use in geometric-looking designs. Generally, officials wore it, and due to its widespread use in rings, brooches, and necklaces, it became popular to be associated with prosperity.

Citrine is perhaps best known for its warm color that is rarely found in other gemstones from pale yellow to rich amber.

• Color: At present citrine and citrine quartz are available in all different shades of yellow from pale yellow similar to the color of lemons to a deep amber tone. This color is due to the incorporation of Iron ions in the quartz crystal structure.
• Clarity: Citrine is usually translucent to transparent with very rare or no imperfections; thus it is ideal for use in jewelry. It is clear and this enables it to: reflect light as it is supposed to do.
• Cut: Cutting: The citrine comes in many different shapes such as round; oval, pear, and emerald shape. It is cut to achieve a splendid bright and well-handled depth of colouration.
• Luster: Citrine is clear, and it is birefringent, and it is characterized by having a vitreous luster when fashioned; that is, it has a shiny glass-like look.

• Color: Citrine as a gemstone is also valued for the beauty of such stones, as well as for their density and warm and at the same time, bright color.
• Hardness: Clerity stands at 7 in hardness as measured by the Mohs scale hence it is a good gemstone that may be used in jewelry. It is anti-scratch, and anti-chip, but should as far as possible not be exposed to rough knocks and blows.
• Composition: Citrine is one of the quartz that was created as the result of the influence of the presence of iron in it. Heat-treated Citrine is much more common than natural Citrine; many Citrine coming into the gem trade today are treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
• Stability: Citrine is also very hard-wearing but it will change color when subjected to heat and or light for a long time.

Citrine is located in many areas of the world with certain parts of the world have given the gemstone the reputation for formulating superior quality gems.

Brazil: Citrine is also produced in Brazil, but on a large scale, in two of its regions, the Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais. It is famous for natural occurrences of Citrine, heat-treated amethysts, and smoky quartz of good quality.

Spain: In the past Spain was providing the European market first of all with Citrine and Spanish Citrine was traditionally famous for its depth of tone and transparency.

Madagascar: Another country that is known to produce Citrine is Madagascar and most of the Citrine stones found in the market are found to have a variation of light yellow to dark orange color.

Russia: Russia continued Citrine supply with the stone being mined in the Ural Mountains which is known to have supplied the stone for several centuries.

Citrine is officially associated with the totem of Sagittarius, from November 22 to December 21. Sagittarius’s qualities include joy, adventurous spirit, and optimism, and Citrine as a warm, sunny stone would only enhance the frequency, and help one to search for inspiration, express themself creatively, and keep a sunny disposition.

Besides Sagittarius Citrine is also connected with Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) to bring emotional stability and right-headedness to its wearers. Citrine lays the much-needed positive vibrations on the natives of Scorpio to direct their wrath to a constructive course.

Healing is a concept that is intrinsic to any kind of gemstone and here too the stone is claimed to possess several healing qualities.

Citrine is also called ‘the merchant’s stone’ or ‘the success stone’ because of the attributes allegedly associated with it that help to attract wealth and success. Apart from the economic benefits, Citrine is believed to have the following healing properties:

Emotional Healing 

• According to the definition provided by many, citrine holds the properties of happiness, positivity, and energy for the holder. 
• It was believed to chase away negativity and promote happiness; that is why it is used and recommended for patients with depression, anxiety, or stress.

Physical Healing

• Citrine is associated with digestive disorders, regulation of metabolism, and boost of physical strength. 
• The plant is considered useful for the endocrine system and in conditions such as problems with the kidney, bladder, thyroid, and goiter.

Spiritual Healing

• In terms of spirituality, Citrine helps to open the solar plexus chakra, which is responsible for personal power, confidence, and worth. 
• Some theories ascribe to it properties of stimulating the activeness of the imagination and favoring the materialization of ideas and visions.

Citrine, as compared to other stones isn’t very hard, but it still does necessitate proper care if the fire within is to remain bright.

• Cleaning: To clean Citrine, one is required to clean it using warm water mixed with some soap and follow it up by using a soft-bristle brush to clean the gemstone. Do not use foul solutions or ultrasonic washing treatment, as they get the stone’s surface or wash its colors away.
• Storage: Citrine rings are expected to be kept away from other jewelry for this is sensitive to scratching of the gemstone. It is suggestible to place it in a soft cloth or a Jewelry box placed one above another to prevent aggregation of dust and dirt.
• Avoiding Damage: Citrine is relatively hard but it is still sensitive to shock and temperature changes. Do not apply much heat on the stone or even sunlight as this tends to fade the color of the stone. Also, it is advisable to do the following: Do not wear Citrine jewelry during exercises or any activities that may cause or put the jewelry through stress such as sports or rigorous manual tasks.
• Re-polishing: Over time, a Citrine may fade and may develop fine scratches on its surface, this can be refinished by a specialist jeweler.

When your Citrine jewelry is taken care of appropriately it will stay as a symbol of warmth and positivity for as long as you wear it.

What colors do Citrine birthstones come in?

Citrine can be light yellow to dark brown and you could also find the shade of honey, orange, and gold.

Can Citrine be worn every day?

Yes, Citrine is quite hardy and has a Mohs hardness of approximately 7, an aspect that makes Citrine jewelry wearable daily. But it has to be shielded from shocks and variations in temperature so that it will not get spoiled.

What are the benefits that come from wearing Citrine?

Citrine is associated with energy and money, positivity and success, and happiness, which is why it is used in emotional healing.