The name Citrine derives from the French “citron”, meaning “lemon”, which describes its typical lemon yellow color.
This lively gem is a macrocrystalline variety of Quartz. Commonly extracted together with Amethyst, it owes its beautiful bright color to the presence of iron. Bicolor Citrine is a blend of Citrine and White Quartz produced during changes in the environment. Exactly like in Ametrina, where the wonderful purple of Amethyst is combined with the fresh yellow of Citrine.
The most sought-after specimens come from Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay and Mozambique, while the Ametrines and Bicolor Citrines are mined in Bolivia. Lemon Citrine is also found in Zambia and Tanzania.
Already in ancient Greece starting from 480 BC. Citrine was a beloved and popular gem, but it is only from the first century AD. that the Romans started working it as a gem.
Stone of happiness for the ancients, Citrine was used as a talisman against bad thoughts and as an antidote for the poison of reptiles. But its applications were manifold, especially in the medical field. It was believed that it could support the development of the digestive system and protect the body from poisonous substances, the plague and play a significant role in the treatment of depression and diabetes.
Crystal therapy experts also claim that Citrine stimulates the mental faculties and creativity, that it develops intuition and self-confidence, increasing control over one’s emotions.
The colors of Citrine range from lemon yellow to golden yellow up to also cover the nuances of mandarin orange and Madeira red (famous for the wine of the same name). Traditionally the Madeira shades were the most requested, while today the lighter lemon yellow colors are preferred. The Bicolor Citrine shows a delicate chromatic transition from yellow to white
The wonderful orange colors of the Mandarin Citrine clearly differ from the golden yellow Citrine specimens. Lemon Citrine shows a fresh yellow with a delicate hint of green; on the other hand, the Madeira Citrine shines red. The Bicolor Citrine contains within it the golden yellow of Citrine and the ice white of Quartz, greased during the period of formation at different times. Iron is responsible for the coloring element and together with Quartz gives rise to a spectacular gem, which must be cut by professional hands to allow you to admire this particular phenomenon even better. A similar composition can be found in Ametrine, where the yellow of Citrine is combined with the purple of Amethyst.
• How to care for jewelry with Citrine
Some specimens lose their brilliance or return to their original color when subjected to a very intense light source.
