When it comes to coloured gemstones, the citrine is one of the most eye-catching and vibrant options available. This stunner has captivated people throughout history with its dramatic colour and interesting symbolism.
That said, this stone’s rarity is often called into question and today, we plan on settling your doubts once and for all.
To begin with, what is a citrine?
Simply put, citrine is a semi-precious gemstone that’s part of the quartz family. Depending on its iron content, it can be found in a range of shades starting from a pale yellow to a reddish-brown. As of today, citrines with a saturated golden hue and fiery orange flashes are very much desired. Owing to its vibrant and cheery colour, the citrine is commonly associated with emotional well-being, mental clarity and is considered a feel-good gem.
Also read: Why is Citrine Yellow in Colour?
So, is citrine rare?
The answer to this is both yes and no.
It’s important to note that naturally occurring citrines are extremely rare. Hence, their availability is considerably limited.
Having said that, citrines can be created by heat-treating smokey quartz stones and amethysts. These treated citrines are commonly found in the market today.
During the heating process, the smokey quartz and/or amethyst is exposed to different temperatures (somewhere between 750 to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit) at regular intervals until the desired colour is achieved.
The treatment as a whole is generally considered stable (which means that it doesn’t affect the durability or structure of the gem) and is therefore permanent.
Do Note: As treated citrines have the same chemical composition as natural citrines, they are considered to be real.
Are they popular?
Well, yes!
Believe it or not, the citrine’s fame has only increased since the jewel’s discovery.
For instance, natural citrines were considered to be a symbol of power amongst the affluent classes due to their rarity. It was therefore the jewel of choice for many high-ranking officials.
This stone was also particularly famous during the Ancient Roman and Art Deco era and was woven into countless jewellery designs.
That said, not all people coveted the citrine just for its beauty. In ancient Greece and Egypt, people believed that this stone could bring them success and protect them from evil. Hence, they often wore them as talismans.
Today, citrines have made their mark as one of the most sought-after yellow gems in the world mainly due to their incredible hue, which exudes a happy vibe.
Should you buy this stone?
Of course!
As seen throughout this article, the citrine is one jewel that can hold its own in the ever-demanding fashion world.
The jewel’s pleasing hue enables it to flatter almost every outfit without overtaking the look. This makes it a great option for both daily and occasional wear. Moreover, in addition to the gem’s beauty, its distinct history makes it a great conversation starter. And if these USPs weren’t enough, the stone’s pocket-friendly price tag (in comparison to other precious yellow gems) is sure to sweeten the deal.
Conclusion
Even though natural citrines are quite rare, one can find this semi-precious gemstone very easily. So we highly recommend adding it to your kitty. A piece of real citrine jewellery will surely be an exotic addition to your collection.
Also read: Is Sapphire a Rare Gem?
