Guide for Birthstones: Citrine for Individuals Born in November Month

Shining the Light on Citrine: A Sunny Gemstone Favourite

Citrine, with its sunny appearance, has long been a popular choice in the gem and jewellery trade, particularly in statement cocktail jewellery. This golden gemstone, prized for its radiant hue, is not only visually appealing but also holds a high polish, making it suitable for various pieces of jewelry.

Natural citrine is found worldwide, with several valuable sources including Brazil, where the state of Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais are known for their rich deposits. Another notable location is the Anahí mine in Bolivia, famous for producing both citrine and the rare combination of citrine and amethyst called ametrine. Other significant deposits can be found in the Ural Mountains in Russia, Uruguay, Spain, Mexico, and Madagascar [1][3][5].

Ametrine, a rare quartz variety showing both amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow) colors in the same crystal, is almost exclusively found at the Anahí mine in Bolivia, making this locality unique worldwide for ametrine production [1][2][5]. While reports once suggested Brazil might supply ametrine, the Anahí mine in Bolivia remains the primary natural source.

The characteristic yellow-to-orange color of citrine is caused by a trace of iron in its structure. Citrine can be found in various shades, ranging from pale buttercup to a stronger orangey or brown-tinged yellow. It is important to note that much of the citrine offered on the market is often amethyst that has been heat-treated to promote a golden color [2].

Citrine can be transformed into stunning pieces that add a touch of sunshine to any jewelry collection. However, care should be taken when wearing citrine in everyday life to prevent damage. Inclusions in citrine are highly variable but are similar to those in amethyst, such as tiger stripes, straight color-zoning, incipient fractures, crystals, two-phase inclusions consisting of a liquid and a gas, or a solid crystal and a liquid.

For centuries, citrine has been believed to hold the power of the sun and counteract depression, fight phobias, and help its wearer remain calm in stressful situations due to its ability to attract good and positivity. The surface of some citrine crystals may feature striations that run horizontally across the prism faces. Iridescence in citrine can be caused by fractures within the crystal [4].

If you're interested in learning more about citrine and its unique qualities, the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection contains a rough citrine crystal specimen. For those eager to start their gemmology journey, Short Courses and Workshops are available through Gem-A. A Gemmology tutor named Lily Faber FGA DGA EG explores the properties and folklore around this sunny gemstone on their website [6].

References:

[1] Gem-A. (n.d.). Ametrine. Retrieved from https://www.gem-a.org/gem-identification/gem-stone-encyclopedia/ametrine/

[2] Gem-A. (n.d.). Citrine. Retrieved from https://www.gem-a.org/gem-identification/gem-stone-encyclopedia/citrine/

[3] Geology.com. (n.d.). Citrine. Retrieved from https://www.geology.com/minerals/citrine/citrine.shtml

[4] Geology.com. (n.d.). Citrine Properties. Retrieved from https://www.geology.com/minerals/citrine-properties.shtml

[5] Mindat.org. (n.d.). Ametrine. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-5076.html

[6] Gem-A. (n.d.). Lily Faber. Retrieved from https://www.gem-a.org/about-us/our-people/lily-faber/

The Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection, which includes a rough citrine crystal specimen, provides opportunities for those who want to delve deeper into the unique qualities of this sunny gemstone.
For individuals seeking to begin their journey in gemmology, Gem-A offers Short Courses and Workshops that provide a solid foundation in the subject.
In the realm of publications, resources such as Gem-A's Gemstone & Mineral Encyclopedia and articles on their website offer extensive insights into various gemstone properties, including citrine.
Aside from jewelry, citrine's vibrant hue can add a touch of sunshine to other aspects of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and even home-and-garden décor, making it a versatile element in various sectors of the science of materials and design.