CITRINE

Fine quality Madeira citrine and diamond Retro Era ring in 14K rose gold and platinum

Variety:  Citrine
Species:  Quartz
​​Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Yellow to orange, to brownish red
RI:  1.544 to 1.553 (very constant)
Birefringence:  0.009
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Optic Character:  Uniaxial positive.  Might show a bull's eye or Airy's spiral optic figure and Brazil law twinning under crossed polarizing filters.
Pleochroism:  Very weak.  Different tones of body color
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.66 (+0.03 / -0.02)
Routine Treatments:  Heating

Citrine Facts

Victorian Era Madeira citrine and blue lace agate brooch

Citrine is a beautiful gem known for its warm, sunny hues.  It’s a variety of quartz whose color can range from pale yellow to deep amber.

Its name is derived from the French word "citron”, meaning lemon, because of its lemon-like appearance.

The most valuable color of citrine is known as Madeira Citrine, which ranges from orange-red to brownish red.

Light yellow citrine is commonly referred to as Lemon Citrine.

Citrine rarely occurs naturally.  The majority of citrine on the market today is created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz.

Citrine is a November birthstone and is the 13th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Citrine Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GG, ASA, CMA, RGA, AJP, CMSP, CSSP