Overview
About Citrine
Citrine is rare in nature. In the days before modern gemology, its tawny colour caused it to be confused with topaz. Today, its attractive colour, plus the durability and affordability it shares with most other quartzes, makes it the top-selling yellow-to-orange gem. In the contemporary market, citrine’s most popular shade is an earthy, deep, brownish or reddish orange.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Along with topaz, citrine is a birthstone for November. It’s also recognised as the gem that commemorates the thirteenth anniversary.
Iron
A trace of iron in citrine’s structure is responsible for its yellow-to-orange colour.
Heat
Natural citrine is rare. Most citrine on the market is the result of heat treatment of amethyst.
Popular
Citrine is recognised as one of the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstones.
Facts
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Mineral:
Quartz
Chemical composition
Treatments
There are a number of processes used to alter the colour or apparent clarity, or to improve the durability of gems.
Learn MoreSynthetics
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
Learn MoreImitations
Any gem can be imitated – sometimes by man-made materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
Learn More
Why We Love This Gemstone
Affordable
Even fine citrine has a modest price tag. Large gems remain affordable, as price per carat does not rise dramatically for larger sizes.
Geodes
Giant hollow crystal-lined amethyst geodes from areas like Brazil are often heated to become giant citrine “cathedrals.”
Ametrine
In Bolivia, amethyst and citrine colours can occur together in the same crystal. These unique gems are called ametrine.
Quality Factors
The following factors combine to determine a citrine’s value.
Colour
Vivid yellows, reddish oranges and earth tones are popular with consumers.
Clarity
Eye-visible inclusions are not common in citrine. If present, they decrease its value.
Cut
Citrine might be carved, custom-cut or calibrated for jewellery use.
Carat Weight
Citrine is available in a wide range of sizes for setting into a variety of jewellery styles.
Citrine Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Research
Explore sources, gemmological research and the role of gems in history.
