Citrine
Family: Quartz
Color: Yellow to orange to brownish orange
Mohs Hardness: 7
November Babies, I know that many of your were profoundly disappointed to learn that Topaz is your birthstone—I know I would be devastated if that were my truth—but fear not! You have a second birthstone that is not only better than Topaz (like every other gem), but it is also very cool on its own.
With a name derived from the Latin word for citrus, ‘citri’, it is no surprise Citrine takes on the hue of our favorite winter fruits. Ranging from deep orangey brown to lemon yellow, Citrine is a blast of freshness on the colored gemstone market.
It is important to note that nearly all Citrine on the market is heated to bring out the saturation of the gem, enhancing the color in the crystal by waking up chemicals that are already present within the stone. This is a completely stable treatment (and not nearly as deceptive as Topaz’s irradiated blue hues…).
Citrine is a remarkably transparent single crystal quartz gemstone, related closely to Rock
Crystal and Amethyst. In fact, they are all different colors of the same prevalent quartz variety! So closely related, Amethyst and Citrine are sometimes found in the same crystal with color zones of purple and yellow. This variety of quartz is cleverly called: Ametrine.
I am very fond of Ametrine—My college colors are purple and gold (Go Ephs!)—and the presence of two colors from opposites sides of the color wheel in the same gemstone is eye popping and bold.
Summary: Citrine is a beautiful, cheery gemstone that is said to conjure creativity. It plays well with its relatives (hence Ametrine) and is a prevalent, affordable, and beautiful gemstone perfect for every day wear.
You know what they say: When life hands you a lemon-colored gemstone, make a citrine necklace!
Now, how about these lemons:
Comments