Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Citrine is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone and one of the most valuable members of the quartz family. The supply of Citrine is plentiful and good size, clean, natural stones are available. Citrine has been held in high esteem for centuries because of its warm golden and orange tones. The most highly sought after color is the rich amber of Madeira Citrine, deep and sweet, it captures the warmth and glow of a late afternoon in autumn.

COLOR:
Yellow to orange to brownish orange.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent, Citrine in usually free of inclusions.

SIZE RANGE:
1 to 20 carats, faceted gems over 1000 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: faceted, cabochons, beads and carvings

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Citrine is often heated to intensify the color. The stability of this color enhancement is excellent and requires no special care.

HARDNESS:
7 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Citrine can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: usually safe
Steamer: risky
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: heat may alter the stone’s color, fast temperature changes may fracture it.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
The name Citrine is derived from the French word “citron” for lemon. Citrine ranges in color from straw and lemon yellow to orange and deep Madeira red.   The name Madeira Citrine was derived not from the gemstones location of origin but from it’s color which is said to resemble that of the finest Madeira wine. In ancient times, Citrine was used as protection from snake venom and evil thoughts and the ancient Romans used Citrine in both jewelry and intaglio work. During the Art Deco period between World War I and II, Citrine gained popularity and was set in large and elaborate Art Deco jewelry pieces, many of which adorned Hollywood stars such as Gretta Garbo and Joan Crawford.

DESIGNATION:
Citrine is the birthstone for November and for a 13^th wedding anniversary.

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