Citrine is a captivating variety of quartz, prized for its warm golden hues that range from pale
yellow to deep amber. This gemstone has been cherished for thousands of years, with ancient
civilizations believing it held the power of the sun. The name itself comes from the French word
‘citron’, meaning lemon, which perfectly captures the gemstone’s vivid yellow tones.
While natural citrine is highly sought after, it’s important to note that a significant portion of
citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. This process involves heating amethyst to
temperatures around 450°C – or 842°F – to alter its color from purple to yellow or orange. The
final color depends on the temperature and duration of heating. It’s estimated that 90% or more
of the citrine on the market today is heat-treated.
Citrine’s durability, rated at 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, makes it a great choice for
everyday wear. It shines beautifully when set in all types of metal, from warm yellow gold to
white gold, complementing a range of personal styles. Whether worn as a bold ring, delicate
earrings, or a statement necklace, citrine adds a touch of sunshine and gold glow to any outfit.
But citrine is more than just a beautiful gemstone – it’s often referred to as the ‘merchant’s stone’
or the ‘stone of abundance’, and many believe that wearing citrine or keeping it in your home
attracts wealth, success, and good fortune. It is said to carry the power to inspire confidence,
creativity, and motivation.
In ancient Rome, citrine was a popular gemstone used for various purposes. Among the most
notable uses of citrine were signet rings, which held significant practical and symbolic functions.
These rings, often bearing the wearer’s personal seal or emblem, were used by senior Roman
authorities as tools of authentication and symbols of authority. By pressing the carved citrine into
warm wax, they left an impression on documents, serving as a personal signature that validated
their authenticity. Beyond their practical use, these rings embodied a visual declaration of the
wearer’s power and status within Roman society. This tradition carried on through the centuries,
with bishops of the Roman Catholic Church later adopting citrine signet rings as a symbolic link
to Rome’s legacy.
Citrine is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
However, the finest and most highly sought-after citrine comes from the state of Rio Grande do
Sul in southern Brazil, where the stones have a rich, deep amber color.
If you’re looking for a gemstone that not only shines with beauty but also embodies a sense of
positivity and abundance, citrine is the perfect choice. Yael Designs offers an exquisite selection
of citrine rings, earrings, and necklaces, each designed to showcase the stone’s timeless appeal.
