Let’s dive a little deeper into the key information about Citrine.

Crystal Structure and Hardness

• Crystal system: Citrine forms crystals in the trigonal system. This means its fundamental building blocks are arranged in a triangular shape. This often gives citrine a hexagonal (six-sided) shape with pointed ends, like small pyramids.
• Hardness: On the Mohs hardness scale, which measures a stone’s scratch resistance, citrine scores a solid 7. This means it is quite durable and can withstand everyday wear and impact, making it perfect for jewelry you can wear daily.

Weight and Luster

• Specific gravity: Citrine has a specific gravity between 2.6 and 2.7. This means it feels slightly heavier than an equivalent-sized lump of water.
• Luster: Citrine has a beautiful glassy luster, giving it a shiny and polished surface. It is this luster that helps catch the light and highlight the stone’s color.

Citrine’s Unique Properties

• Pleochroism: Some citrines have a property called pleochroism. This means the stone can show different color shades, depending on the angle you view it from. In citrine, however, this effect is usually quite weak, and you will typically only see a slight variation between yellow and a more brownish-yellow color.
• Refractive index and double refraction: These somewhat technical terms describe how light bends and refracts when passing through citrine. Citrine has a refractive index of 1.544-1.553 and a double refraction of 0.009. These properties give the stone its brilliance and the beautiful play of light, especially when properly cut.
• Piezoelectric: Citrine also has an interesting property called piezoelectricity. This means it can generate a small electric charge when subjected to pressure or mechanical stress.

Natural Combinations and Color Stability

• Other minerals: Citrine often forms alongside other minerals such as smoky quartz, amethyst, and iron oxides. These minerals can create interesting color variations or small inclusions (tiny particles trapped inside the crystal) in citrine, adding to its unique character.
• Color stability: Not all citrines are created equal when it comes to color stability. Some natural citrines retain their color well, even when exposed to sunlight or heat. Others may fade slightly over time, especially if exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods. This is something both jewelers and collectors should be aware of when handling and storing citrine.

Citrine is not just a single stone, but an entire family of gemstones with different shades and characteristics, each offering its own unique appeal. Let's take a closer look at the various types and colors available today.

Natural Citrine: A Rare Glimpse of the Sun

Natural citrine is a true gem in the world of gemstones. It forms deep within the earth through slow, natural processes without human intervention. Its color typically ranges from a pale, lemon-yellow shade to a warm, golden glow reminiscent of the sun's rays. Natural citrine is highly valued for its authenticity and rarity, making it a coveted choice for collectors and those seeking a gemstone with a unique story.

Heat-Treated Citrine: Accessible Beauty

The vast majority of citrine found on the market today is heat-treated. This process, where amethyst or smoky quartz is heated to change their color, is an accepted practice in the gemstone industry. Heat treatment makes citrine more accessible and affordable, while also offering a wider range of colors, from deep orange shades to rich reddish-brown tones.

Yellow Citrine: A Ray of Energy

Yellow citrine, with its clear, bright yellow color, is like a sunbeam captured in stone. This variety is often associated with the solar plexus chakra, the energy center for personal strength and willpower. Yellow citrine is said to increase energy and vitality and promote a sense of confidence and decisiveness.

Golden Citrine: A Golden Treasure

Golden citrine, with its rich, warm golden color, resembles the precious metal it is named after. This variety is particularly sought after for its similarity to topaz, another popular gemstone. Golden citrine exudes luxury and elegance and is a beautiful choice for jewelry meant to impress.

Madeira Citrine: Depth and Warmth

Madeira citrine is named after the famous wine from the Madeira island and has a deep, reddish-orange to brownish-red hue reminiscent of autumn leaves. This variety is one of the most valuable types of citrine due to its rich, saturated color and relative rarity. Madeira citrine adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to any piece of jewelry.

Fire Citrine: A Living Flame

Fire citrine lives up to its name with its vibrant orange color, reminiscent of a dancing flame. Often with red or golden flashes, this variety is a striking choice for those seeking a gemstone with energy and passion. Fire citrine is said to stimulate creativity and motivation and bring a feeling of joy and enthusiasm.

Palmeira Citrine: A Radiant Sunset

Palmeira citrine, originating from the Palmeira mine in Brazil, is known for its bright orange hue reminiscent of a beautiful sunset. This variety has a gentler and more subtle beauty than fire citrine but is still full of warmth and light. Palmeira citrine is a popular choice for everyday jewelry and adds a touch of sunshine to any outfit.

Lemon Quartz: A Gentle Lemon Color

Lemon quartz is a light yellow to greenish-yellow variant of citrine, often created by irradiating and heating clear quartz. Although it is not a natural citrine, lemon quartz has its own delicate beauty and is an affordable alternative to natural citrine. It has a fresh, spring-like feel and is perfect for jewelry with a light and airy design.

Ametrine: A Two-Toned Beauty

Ametrine is a unique and fascinating variety that combines the purple color of amethyst with the yellow color of citrine in a single crystal. This combination creates a beautiful play of colors and makes ametrine a sought-after gemstone. Ametrine is primarily found in Bolivia and is a symbol of balance and harmony between different energies.

Two-Toned Citrine: A Natural Artwork

Two-toned citrine is a variant that shows a gradual transition from yellow citrine to white quartz within the same stone. This unique color distribution is due to changes in the environment during the stone's formation and creates a natural artwork with fascinating patterns and contrasts. Two-toned citrine is a wonderful example of nature's creativity and is a popular choice for those seeking a gemstone with a unique and personal character.

Geologically, natural citrine forms in hydrothermal veins or in pegmatites. It is often found together with amethyst, and the two can sometimes form together in a single crystal known as ametrine. While natural citrine is relatively rare, most commercial citrines are produced by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz.

Citrine is mined in several places around the world, with Brazil being the leading producer of high-quality natural citrine. The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is particularly known for its citrine deposits, which produce stones with rich golden hues. Other significant sources can be specified under this section.

Although natural citrine is relatively rare, the global market is dominated by heat-treated amethyst, often originating from countries like Uruguay and then treated to achieve the desired citrine color. This treatment process has made citrine more accessible and affordable.

The production of citrine is often a byproduct of larger quartz mining operations. In Brazil, for example, citrine is often found in geodes along with amethyst and other quartz varieties. The mining process typically involves extracting these geodes from volcanic basalt formations.

Citrine is known for its powerful metaphysical and healing properties, making it a popular choice among crystal enthusiasts and alternative medicine practitioners. This golden gemstone is often called the "stone of success" due to its association with abundance, prosperity, and personal strength.

On a spiritual level, citrine is believed to cleanse and energize the aura, promote higher consciousness, and connect the user with their intuition. It is said to open the crown chakra, facilitating spiritual growth and enlightenment. Many practitioners use citrine during meditation to enhance mental clarity and strengthen intentions.

On an emotional level, citrine is celebrated for its ability to promote joy, optimism, and enthusiasm. It is said to release negative traits, fear, and depression, replacing them with warmth and emotional balance. This sunny stone is often recommended for those struggling with self-confidence issues, as it is believed to boost self-esteem and encourage self-expression.

Mental healing properties:

• Citrine is believed to improve concentration, revitalize the mind, and stimulate intellectual activity.
• Many use citrine to overcome mental blockages, especially those related to abundance and success.
• It is said to help digest complex information and make clear decisions.

Physical healing properties:

• Citrine is believed to stimulate digestion and support the functions of the spleen and pancreas.
• Some practitioners use citrine to treat issues with the endocrine system, especially the thyroid gland.
• Citrine is believed to improve blood circulation and detoxify the blood.
• Citrine is sometimes used to relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

In crystal healing, citrine is often placed on the solar plexus chakra to increase personal strength and confidence. It is also frequently used in abundance rituals, where practitioners place citrine in their wealth corners or carry it as a talisman for financial success.

Interestingly, citrine is one of the few crystals said to never need cleansing, as it is believed to transform negative energy rather than absorb it. This quality makes it a popular choice for protection in various environments.

Although these metaphysical and healing properties are widely accepted in alternative medicine circles, it is important to note that they are based on traditional beliefs and anecdotal evidence rather than scientific studies. As with all alternative therapies, citrine should be used as a supplement to conventional medical treatments, not as a replacement.

The care of your citrine semi-precious stone is crucial to preserving its beauty and longevity. Although citrine is relatively durable with a Mohs hardness of 7, proper care ensures it retains its warm, golden glow for many years to come.

Cleaning citrine requires a gentle approach. The safest method is to use warm soapy water with mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. To clean citrine:

1. Make a solution of warm water and mild soap.
2. Soak the citrine jewelry for about 15-30 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with a soft brush to remove dirt and grime.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

For a quick refresh, you can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the stone, followed by drying with a clean cloth.

When storing citrine, keep it separate from harder gemstones to avoid scratches. A fabric-lined jewelry box or individual soft pouches work well for storage. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources, as citrine can be heat-sensitive and may fade or develop cracks under extreme conditions.

For those who believe in citrine’s metaphysical properties, some suggest energetically cleansing the stone. This can be done by rinsing it under natural water sources or passing it through smoke from burning sage. However, these practices are based on spiritual beliefs rather than scientific evidence.

Citrine is a versatile gemstone used in many different types of jewelry, offering options for both subtle and eye-catching designs. Here are some of the most popular citrine jewelry pieces:

1. Rings: Citrine rings come in many styles, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. The stone is often set with metals like gold, rose gold, white gold, and sterling silver.
2. Necklaces: Citrine necklaces are available in various shapes and types. Looking at today’s fashion trends, necklace styles such as chokers, pendant necklaces, and chunky chains are popular. These types of chains are simple on their own. With citrine, you can add a beautiful touch of color to these chains and ensure you follow current fashion while still standing out.
3. Earrings: Citrine earrings come in styles like ear studs, hoops, and dangling earrings. These designs range from simple studs to more detailed hanging earrings. With stud earrings, you can add simple elegance to your look, or give your look a more sophisticated and elegant twist with dangling earrings.
4. Bracelets: Citrine bracelets can be found as bangles, regular stretch bracelets, or as part of semi-precious stone bracelets and charm bracelets. Often, you will see citrine combined with other gemstones to create a shimmering and unique look.

Overall, citrine’s warm color is a great match for various metals and complements many other gemstones, making it a popular choice in both unique and designer jewelry. Its affordable price and availability in small to large sizes also make it ideal for everything from minimalist designs to bolder jewelry styles.

You can do that with us. Here at Uniq Perler, we are a Danish retailer of jewelry materials and gemstones, where we also offer a beautiful selection of citrine in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

So if you are looking for citrine, check out our citrine collection right here: Go to the citrine collection

Otherwise, you can also visit our physical store in Aalborg. Here you have the opportunity to personally select the perfect citrine for your next jewelry project.

Click here and find our physical store