Citrine

  

Citrine is in the mineral class of quartz. It takes its color from the traces of iron in the quartz and can be anything from pale yellow to bright shades of amber. Citrine tends to have a hexagonal crystal system and in its natural form has a cloudy or smoky look. The meaning of citrine is focused on prosperity, joy, and energy.

• Varieties: Madeira (deep, bright reddish-brown) and Palmyra (medium yellowish-brown) are terms used in the trade.
• Sources: Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka.
• Toughness: Good
• Treatments: Poor quality amethyst is often heat-treated to achieve a desirable citrine colour.
• History: Known several hundred years BCE, the citrine gemstone first found appreciation in Ancient Greece, where it was used as a decorative gem. Ancient Romans believed that the stone could protect against evil thoughts and other cultures of the time believed it would bring prosperity to individuals who held the stone.
• Cuts & Uses: Usually fashioned into ring and pendant stones. The per carat value of cut citrine usually decreases beyond the size of an average ring stone.