citrine

Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2). The color is primarily caused by iron impurities in the crystal lattice, sometimes altered by irradiation or heat treatment. The name citrine comes from the French citron, meaning lemon, reflecting its pale to golden hue. Natural citrine is comparatively rare; much of the material on the market has been heat-treated from amethyst or smoky quartz to achieve its distinctive tone.

In terms of properties, citrine shares the same crystal structure and physical characteristics as other quartz varieties. It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system and typically forms hexagonal prismatic crystals, though most commercial stones are cut from colorless to transparent masses. Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7, a vitreous luster, and a refractive index of about 1.54. It shows a pale to medium yellow to orange color and ranges from transparent to translucent.

Natural citrine occurs in several locations, with notable sources in Brazil and Uruguay, as well as Madagascar and Spain. It forms in hydrothermal veins and geodes, often alongside amethyst or smoky quartz. Because natural citrine is rare, the vast majority of citrine used in jewelry is produced by heating amethyst or smoky quartz to produce the desired yellow colors.

Uses and care: Citrine is widely used in jewelry, including rings, pendants, and beads, cut in faceted or cabochon forms. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water; avoid harsh cleaners and prolonged exposure to heat or ultrasonic cleaning that could cause damage.

Citrine is often associated with sun symbolism and is popular in various crystal-arts communities. In metaphysical traditions, it is said to promote abundance and clarity, but such claims lack scientific support. As a gemstone, citrine is affordable and widely available, making it a common choice for beginners.