Citrine is a transparent, yellow variety of Quartz, ranging in color from pale to golden yellow, honey or almost brown, and may contain rainbow or sparkle inclusions. The name comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon. It was used as a gem in Greece as far back as 300 B.C., and because of its color, is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Gold Topaz, Madeira or Spanish Topaz, or Safranite. Citrine is rare in nature. In the days before modern gemology, its tawny color caused it to be confused with topaz. Today, its attractive color, plus the durability and affordability it shares with most other quartzes, makes it the top-selling yellow-to-orange gem. In the contemporary market, citrine’s most popular shade is an earthy, deep, brownish or reddish orange.
A trace of iron in citrine’s structure is responsible for its yellow-to-orange color. Citrine is recognized as one of the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstones.
Citrine is a stone of manifestation, imagination, and personal will. Carrying the power of the sun, it is warm comforting, and energizing and life giving. It awakens imagination and creativity.
