Learn about Citrine
In the middle ages, citrine was also called the ‘merchant's stone’ as it was believed to bring success and prosperity.
Citrine
- Quartz
- 7 Mohs
- Scorpio Sagittarius
- Positivity, Optimism
- November Birthstone
Round
Pear
Oval
Overview
Citrine, a cherished member of the quartz family, is perhaps the most frequently purchased yellow gemstone. Its name has been derived from the citron fruit, which resembles a large lemon.
Citrine owes its captivating sunny shades to the presence of iron. This alluring gemstone is available in hues that range from pale yellow and golden-orange to reddish-brown. Currently, the majority of citrine gemstones available in the market are actually other varieties of quartz (amethyst, smoky quartz) that are heat treated to get the desired golden-yellow color.
1. Key Origin
- Natural citrine is not common, and Brazil is its leading manufacturer in the world.
- Other important sources include Uruguay, Scotland, Madagascar, Spain, USA and Russia.
2. Associations
- Cherished since ancient times, citrine is said to bring success and prosperity to the wearer.
- Owing to these properties, it is also called the ''success stone''.
- Citrine is believed to attract abundance in all fields, especially business.
Properties
Rated 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
The golden-yellow variety of quartz, citrine, exhibits a remarkable luster and sparkles brilliantly when cut. It has been given a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is fairly resistant to scratches and durable enough for use in jewelry. Radiant and affordable, citrine is also a popular alternative to topaz and yellow sapphire.
02Treatment
Citrine in its most pure and natural form radiates a translucent yellow hue. The presence of iron oxide in the quartz is responsible for its captivating color. “Lemon quartz” is the name often used to refer to a naturally light-yellow citrine. A citrine, because of its color, is often mistaken for a yellow topaz.
Since natural and untreated citrines are extremely rare, amethyst and smoky quartz are frequently heat treated to obtain the coveted golden-yellow hue. This treatment is stable and is widely used for permanent color change. The citrines available at Angara are natural and are not enhanced in any way.
The 4C’s
This gemstone is rare in its natural form and greatly sought-after by gem enthusiasts and collectors. There are several factors that determine the value of a citrine:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- Color is the most critical factor that establishes a citrine’s worth. In its natural form, this gem is mostly pale-yellow to golden-yellow in hue with hints of smoky brown.
- In comparison to lighter tones, a citrine which displays a deep color with reddish tints is more expensive.
- A reddish-orange hued citrine is typically referred to as ‘Madeira’ colored, after the renowned wine.
02Carat
- This radiant gemstone comes in an assortment of sizes, and stones weighing up to 20 carats are readily available.
- Due to this reason, the price of a citrine is not influenced significantly by the carat size.
- This aspect makes them a wonderful choice for bold jewelry designs.
03Clarity
- Citrine is a transparent quartz with a vitreous luster.
- Most citrines are eye-clean, which means they have no visible inclusions.
- Color zoning may decrease its value as merchants look for citrines with a more uniform hue.
04Cuts
- Like most quartz, citrine is available in large sizes, so it is possible to carve them into almost any shape.
- Round and oval are the most popular cuts for this gemstone, as they tend to maximize dispersion and color.
- Other frequently used shapes consist of trillion, cushion, pear, square and heart.
Quality & Grading
Based on these factors, a citrine can be graded into the following categories of quality:
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Deep Golden | Eye Clean | Very High | Top 1% |
Vintage Style Cushion Citrine Solitaire Ring$1,007 |
| Best (AAA) |  Golden | Eye Clean | High | Top 10% |
Pavé Set Citrine Bar Ring$459 |
| Better (AA) |  Yellow | Slightly Included | Medium | Top 33% |
Prong-Set Citrine Teardrop V-Bale Pendant with Diamond$683 |
| Good (A) |  Light Yellow | Slightly Included | Low | Top 75% |
Trillion and Pear Citrine Drop Pendant with Diamond$219 |
Care Instructions
Citrine is a relatively durable gemstone, but it needs to be treated with care to avoid scratches and other damages. Here are some dos and don'ts to ensure the long life of this lustrous gem.
FAQs
1. Are citrines valuable?
Yes, citrines are valuable, especially those with vibrant, rich colors and high clarity. The value of a citrine depends on factors such as its hue, size and cut, with deeper golden tones often being more sought after.
2. Are citrines expensive?
Citrine is one of the more affordable gemstones, making it a popular choice among gemstone enthusiasts. However, larger colored stones with a deep amber color or those with exceptional clarity can command higher prices.
3. Are citrines natural or treated?
Citrines are often natural but are also commonly heat-treated to enhance their color. Most citrines on the market today are created by heating amethyst or smoky quartz, a process that mimics natural geological conditions. This treatment is stable, widely accepted and doesn’t affect the gemstone's durability.
4. Are citrines graded differently than diamonds?
Yes, citrines are graded based on their color, clarity, cut and size, but not with the same strict 4Cs system that applies to diamonds. The most prized citrines have a rich, even deep amber color and no visible inclusions.
5. What is the difference between citrine and other yellow gemstones such as yellow sapphire or yellow topaz?
Citrine is known for its warm yellow hue that ranges from sunny to amber, while yellow sapphire exhibits a more vibrant yellow color. Yellow topaz, on the other hand, has a golden or honey-like tone. Citrine is more affordable and widely available than these other yellow gemstones, contributing to its popularity.
Latest Pick from Citrine Jewelry
- Citrine and Diamond Twisted Vine Ring$2,239
- Claw-Set Cushion Citrine Solitaire Cocktail Ring$2,229
- Five-Petal Flower Citrine Rope Frame Ring$1,739
- Solitaire Oval Citrine Criss Cross Ring with Diamonds$2,259
- Thin Shank Cushion Cut Citrine Ring With Diamond Accents$1,569
- Half Eternity Seven Stone Citrine Wedding Ring$1,569
- Vintage Style Cushion Citrine Solitaire Ring$1,529
- Octagonal Citrine Cocktail Ring with Diamonds$1,419
- Cushion Citrine Cocktail Ring with Bezel Diamonds$1,989
- Natori x Angara Hexagonal Alternate Citrine Eternity Ring$1,569
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