Warm, rich and vibrant, the real citrine is anything but ordinary! This gemstone is loved by everyone because of its distinct colour.
But what exactly is citrine and where does it get its gorgeous hue from?
Let’s find out!
What colour is citrine?
Belonging to the quartz family, this jewel has made its mark as one of the most frequently purchased semi-precious yellow gemstones. Pure quartz do not have any colour and it is the trace elements that give the stones their individual hues.
Citrines get their yellow tinge due to the presence of iron. Depending on the concentration of iron, you can find this gemstone in hues ranging from a pale yellow to a reddish-brown. That said, it is the golden yellow shade that is most prized by gemstone collectors.
Naturally occurring yellow citrines are very rare and therefore, most of the gemstones available today are actually real amethysts that have been heat-treated to get the coveted hue. In some cases, smoky quartz (brown/blackish variety of quartz) may also undergo heat treatment to turn them into citrine.
The Fantastic Honey Colour
To get the required colour, quartz is heated at varying temperatures (somewhere between 750 and 1700 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the shade that the jeweller wants to achieve. This treatment is a stable one and is generally used for permanent colour change.
Why is it Famous?
Other than its incredible good looks, this stone has been prized throughout history for its rarity and was once considered a symbol of power amongst the affluent class.
- In fact, a lot of ancient Roman jewellery pieces were embellished with this gemstone.
- Citrine was also prominently used during the Art Deco era.
- Back then, people believed that the stone had various properties like the ability to bring success to the wearer. Ancient Greeks carved images into the surface of the citrine as they thought it could maximise its power.
- Egyptians, on the other hand, would wear them as talismans.
- The citrine was also believed to be able to expel negative emotions which greatly added to its value during the olden times.
Today, this jewel is widely loved for its distinct history and symbolism, along with visual appeal.
How to Wear this Gem?
Readily available in large sizes, the citrine is suitable for a variety of dramatic and bold designs. Its beauty can be further accentuated with the right outfit, so keep the following in mind….
1. Wear Clothes with Cooler Shades
Citrines are great for adding a pop of colour to your outfit. That said, make sure that you go with hues like dark purple or violet to avoid the clashing of colours.
2. Let the Jewellery Belong to a Similar Palette
We totally understand wanting to mix and match your jewellery pieces. Just remember to pair the citrine with other gems from a similar palette to ensure a flawless look.
Genuine citrine jewellery, with its vibrancy, easily stands out from the crowd. And now that you know everything about this gem, go ahead and bring one home!
Also Read: Why Are Rubies Red in colour?
