Citrine, a stunning yellow quartz, is rare in nature—so why do we see it everywhere? In this blog, we’ll explore what makes genuine citrine special, how to spot the fakes, and how to use this beautiful stone in your life.
The name Citrine comes from the Latin ‘citrus’ and French ‘citron,’ both meaning lemon. Today, most citrine is mined in Brazil and the Ural Mountains. It’s a sturdy stone, ranking 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it great for jewelry. As a type of quartz, citrine also has a higher level of active energy than many other stones.
A Gem with a Rich History
Citrine has been treasured throughout history. Ancient Chinese legend calls it “The Stone of Success,” often gifted to generous people. Chinese emperors wore it to boost intellect and open their minds.
In ancient Egypt, citrine was made into talismans to ward off evil spirits. It was also used in ancient Greece and Rome for protection and decoration. Citrine has even been linked to goddesses like Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest, and Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war. It’s been a favorite for carvings, signet rings, and even the handles of Scottish warriors’ swords.
Citrine’s popularity peaked during the Art Deco era, when it became a sought-after gem for the rich and famous.
Buyer Beware: Spotting Real Citrine
Natural citrine is a rare gem, naturally yellow to orange thanks to its iron content. But be cautious—many citrines on the market are actually heat-treated amethysts or smokey quartz, turned yellow or orange with high temperatures. While they look similar, purists argue that the heat treatment can make these stones feel more brittle. Natural citrine tends to be pricier and should have a more even, non-reddish color. Also, keep in mind—there’s no such thing as natural “Lemon Quartz.”
Sometimes, citrine gets confused with the much rarer and more expensive yellow topaz. While both are yellow, citrine is slightly softer, make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Citrine’s Meaning and Connection
Though traditionally, November’s birthstone is topaz, citrine is gaining popularity. Associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, citrine resonates with the energy of confidence, success, and abundance. If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem or set yourself up for success, citrine—often called the “Merchant’s Stone”—might be just what you need.
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