Is Citrine a Durable Gemstone?

Not only is citrine the go-to gemstone for those born in November, but it is also a revered jewel for anyone who’s looking for something different and eclectic. And if you are on the hunt for this captivating jewel, knowing about its durability is a must.

In this article, we will learn more about its hardness and explore some interesting facts about this beautiful gemstone!

So, let’s dive in…

Which Gemstone Are Most Durable?

Understanding the Mohs scale of mineral hardness

Whenever you research about purchasing fine jewelry, you will most likely come across the term ‘Mohs scale’. Developed by Friedrich Mohs, this tool rates the hardness of minerals and gems. It grades them from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). And the hardness of a stone indicates its resistance to scratches or how the gem responds to a sharp blow.

Is Citrine a durable gemstone?

Citrine has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This indicates that it is a fairly durable gem. While it isn’t as hard as sapphire or diamond, the citrine is not delicate either and can be considered for everyday wear if treated with caution and care. It is suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings, as long as the wearer treats this gemstone with love.

The setting matters

Options like the bezel and channel tend to provide better protection to the gem. So you can consider choosing one of these to ensure your citrine stays extra-safe.

Is it worth the purchase?

Absolutely!

Blessed with a dreamy hue and considerable hardness, the citrine makes for a wonderful jewel. Here are some interesting facts about this stunning gemstone that are sure to be a conversation starter.

The name citrine is derived from the French word ‘citron’ meaning lemon. As one of the rare varieties of quartz, this jewel’s shades range from pale yellows to dark amber.
Citrine is the November birthstone (along with topaz), and is considered the traditional gem for 13^th wedding anniversaries.
This gemstone symbolizes hope, cheerfulness, strength, health, youth, and vigor. In the ancient times, people believed it promoted creativity, focus, and eliminated feelings of self-destruction.
Citrine is attributed to two deities, i.e., Demeter, the goddess of harvest, and Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war.
Citrine’s attractive hue, along with its durability and affordability, have made it one of the top-selling semi-precious gemstones.
Since natural citrines are scarce, majority of the stones you’ll find in the market today are actually smoky quartz stone and amethysts that are heat-treated. They are considered authentic as they share the same chemical composition as natural citrines.

Note: You can safely clean your citrine jewelry at home with the help of an ultra-mild soap water solution. While it is acceptable to use an ultrasonic cleaner for this gem, steam cleaning is risky since high heat could damage the stone.

Parting Note

Now that you know a little more about citrine and its durability, you might just be tempted to add it to your fine jewelry collection. And so, we recommend you always purchase from a trustworthy jeweler to end up with a quality piece that you can flaunt for years!