Buying Guide

The Gemstone Guide to Citrine

Loved for
A symbol of abundance and creativity.

About Citrine
Citrine is a semi-precious stone belonging to the quartz family of stones.

Many commercially available citrines are heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartz; untreated citrine tends towards the golden rather than the deeper brandy tones.

Citrine has played a role in the lexicon of jewellery for centuries, and has been found in jewels dating as far back as 300 BC in Greece. Often called the Merchant’s Stone, citrine was believed to stimulate the attraction and maintenance of wealth. It is also understood to support new beginnings and confer creativity.

Colour
The name comes from the French word for lemon, citron, which refers to the natural colours of this gemstone.

Citrine is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Golden Topaz or Madeira Topaz. Madeira Citrine, the deeper brandy coloured stone, is most likely to be heat-treated.

Where it's found
Natural citrine is increasingly rare, but is most often sourced in Brazil, the US, Spain, Russia and France. It has been occasionally found in Scotland.

Moh hardness
7 (1 soft to 10 hard)

Birthstone
For November

Anniversaries
13th wedding anniversary