The history of citrine is just as vibrant and scintillating as the gorgeous gem itself. Citrine is a stone that has been admired since ancient times. These yellow gemstones were referred to as ‘citrine’ in the early 80s. Since citrine’s colour is quite similar to topaz, their identity is often mistaken. However, these two November birthstones are unrelated.
Before the differences between all the yellow gemstones were identified, several cultures referred to the citrine gemstone by different names, such as gold topaz, madeira, etc. But let’s dive into the origin and emergence of this gem in the sections below.
The History of Citrine
- In the 1600s, a Spanish conquistador first discovered citrine in a Bolivian mine. Citrine gets its name from the French word for lemon; however, it is found in a more reddish-orange or brownish-red colour. The colour is because of the traces of iron. A brighter yellow citrine is referred to as ‘lemon quartz,’ one of the prevalent varieties of quartz. Citrine can be found in numerous colours. It is the most common quartz gem and can be used in jewellery such as beautiful citrine engagement rings.
- Natural citrine is usually found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and Madagascar. The heat-treated Amethyst citrine comes from Brazil. The colours amethyst and citrine often occur together in the same crystal in a few of the gems in Bolivia- these are known as Ametrine.
- In the past, citrine has been confused with a similar colored gemstone, topaz. Topaz is an entirely different gem than citrine as it is harder and heavier. In addition, topaz has a higher refractive index, which is why it exhibits large fire in finer stones. However, due to the similarity of their colour, the symbolism of the two stones is therefore interweaved.
- In the mid-18th century, citrine became immensely popular as mineralogists realised that heat-treated amethyst and smoky quartz could produce lemony and golden honey hues of citrine.
- Citrine is the birthstone for November and it is said to carry the sun’s power and energy. According to the history of citrine, it is believed among the ancients and the mystics that the gemstone can protect one against snake venom, negative thoughts and heartache.
- Ancients also believed that citrine could calm a bad temper, soothe anxieties and manifest desires. The Egyptians used the citrine gemstone as talismans to leverage its power. The Greeks carved images into these gemstones and Roman priests wore them as rings.
Facts About Citrine
Here are some interesting facts about citrine:
1. A Type of Quartz
Citrine is a variety of quartz with a rich yellow colour. Its colours can differ, ranging from very pale yellow to a deeper, darker orange. Its colouration is due to iron impurities at the time of formation.
2. Natural Citrine is Rare
The natural form of citrine is rare; because of this, the crystals in the market are treated to look like citrine. Its deposits are found worldwide, but the crystal is much harder to come by.
3. Replicas of Citrine
Various crystals and gemstones come from the same family, but due to the surrounding in which they form, they get different shapes and colours. Citrine’s magnificent goldish-yellow colour can be replicated. To do that, amethyst is heated, which leads to the loss of its violet hue and it becomes a shade of orange or brown.
4. Intense Colour Determines Authenticity
Heated amethyst and fake citrine can be identified through their colour. They tend to appear slightly dark orange. You can spot the difference as real citrine is much lighter. Another method to figure out the differences between real and fake Citrine is by comparing the different size points in the crystal clustres. Citrine points in a larger clustre and amethysts form in much smaller points.
5. The Meaning
Citrine comes from the French word ‘citron,’ meaning lemon, or the Latin word ‘citrina,’ meaning yellow. However, it was known as yellow quartz until the 1550s.
6. The ‘Merchant’s Stone
Since its discovery, citrine has been referred to as the ‘merchant’s stone’ or the money stone as it was believed that this gemstone would bring prosperity and wealth to the wearers. Therefore, many people carried the stone with them to attract profit and live a successful life.
7. Citrine’s Influence in China
The members of the ancient Chinese Society referred to itrine as the stone of success. It was believed that this gemstone would bring success to the wearer. Therefore, the Chinese Emperors often wore citrine jewellery.
8. Metaphysical Properties
Apart from the ancient beliefs, citrine is also believed to be linked to the wearer’s intuition. Several metaphysical properties of various crystals and gemstones have been attributed to them over time. It is believed that one can sharpen his or her focus and revitalize the mind by wearing citrine. In addition, it is said that this gemstone boosts self-esteem and self-confidence and therefore it can decrease negative energy and traits.
9. Largest faceted Citrine – 20,200 carats
The world’s largest faceted citrine gemstone weighs a total of 20,200 carats. It is called the ‘Malaga Citrine,’ which was first discovered in Brazil in the late 1980s.
Types of Citrine
Several types of citrine are found in various places. Here are a few of the most popular ones-
- Yellow Citrine: A yellow-coloured Citrine is often referred to as lemon citrine as it has a tint of lemony-yellow.
- Golden Citrine: It has a goldish-yellow hue.
- Madeira Citrine: This sought-after citrine gemstone varies in colour from golden orange to reddish-brown.
- Fire Citrine: It is a heat-treated quartz with a deep-reddish orange colour and is highly admired by many.
- Palmeira Citrine: It is a greatly desirable gemstone with a bright orange hue.
Final Word
The citrine gemstone is a highly sought-after stone with a beautiful yellow colour. Though it is not very popular as some other precious stones, this gleaming vibrant gemstone is still one of the most significant ones. If you wish to buy and wear a lovely citrine gemstone in the form of a ring or pendant, then cheque out Angara’s wide collection now.
