A gorgeous blend of elegance and vibrance, the citrine is truly a remarkable gemstone. And while we could go on and on about its beauty, the facts mentioned below are ones we’re sure you’ll be more interested in reading…
Fact #1: The Citrine Was Once Called the ‘Merchant’s Stone’
Believe it or not, the citrine was called ‘the money stone’ or ‘the merchant’s stone’ throughout the Middle Ages. Many people associated the luxurious hue of the gem with prosperity and wealth. They, therefore, wore it to attract the same.
Similarly, this stunner was also called ‘the success stone’ during the Ancient Chinese civilization. Because of this, many emperors flaunted it and claimed that the gemstone helped them open their minds and broaden their perceptions.
Do note: There is currently no scientific evidence that proves the jewel’s supposed magical abilities.
Fact #2: The Gem Gets Its Name from the French Word ‘Citron’
As stated above, the citrine derives its name from the French word ‘citron’ which means ‘lemon.’ Having said that, some experts argue that the stone was actually named after the Latin word ‘citrina’ meaning ‘yellow.’ Regardless of its origin, the appropriateness of this moniker is reflected in the gem’s charming pale to rich yellow color.
Fact #3: Citrines Are Exceptionally Rare
Contrary to popular belief, this jewel is one of the rarest gemstones present today. In fact, the majority of pieces currently found in the market are actually amethysts that have been heat-treated to gain the gem’s signature hue. That said, as both stones feature the same chemical composition, all citrines are considered to be 100% real.
Fact #4: The Largest Citrine in the World Weighs 20,200 Carats
Yes, you read that correctly! The Malaga citrine was first found in Brazil somewhere between 1980 and 1990. Taking into account its large size, it was no surprise that this stunning beauty easily beat out the old record holder (the Sol del Sur) and earned the title of being the largest faceted citrine in the world.
Fact #5: The Citrine Is Often Associated with Demeter and Sekhmet
Because of its sunny yet intense shade, the citrine has often been associated with two prominent goddesses. The first one being Demeter- the Greek goddess of harvest and by extension productivity. The second is the Egyptian war goddess Sekhmet who was frequently linked with power.
Did You Know?
That the Romans were considered to be the first ones to flaunt the citrine. They polished and crafted the stone into a cabochon shape and frequently wore it to spotlight their style.
FAQ
1. What does the citrine represent?
This vibrant jewel is generally used to represent positivity and emotional well-being.
2. How do you clean a citrine?
The best way to do this is to dip the citrine in a mild soap solution and gently scrub away the dirt with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Once done, place the gem under flowing water to get rid of any excess soap. You can finish the process by gently dabbing away the moisture with a lint free towel and leaving the jewel aside to air dry.
3. Is the citrine a precious gem?
No, the citrine is not a precious gem.
4. Is the citrine a durable stone?
With a 7 out of 10 score on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, the citrine is a reasonably durable gem.
