Discovering Citrine: The Merchant’s Stone
A rare and beautiful variety of quartz, Citrines can be found in a spectrum of yellow shades ranging from a pale lemon to golden-cognac colour (our favourite, of course!). Best known as the Birthstone for November, and often associated with positivity and abundance, this gemstone has a rich history and cultural significance that spans from ancient civilisations to modern times.
The Origins and Formation of Citrines
Citrine owes its beautiful golden hue to iron impurities. The formation process involves a combination of heat and pressure deep within the Earth, allowing silica-rich solutions to crystallise into the Citrine crystal.
Citrine's colour can vary from pale lemon to deep amber, depending on the concentration of iron and the specific conditions under which it formed. This variation influences its value in the gemstone market with deeper coloured stones commanding the highest value.
Scarcity Value
Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most of the citrine available on the market is actually amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heat treated. This process causes them to loose their original colour and achieve the desired yellow tone.
How to spot a natural citrine
Natural citrine can be distinguished from heat-treated versions by its colour. The distinction can be subtle, but natural citrine will have a lighter and more vibrant yellow colour than its heat-treated counterpart.
Citrine, 18ct Rose Gold & Silver Cocktail Ring - Jessica Hickman-Woolcott, 2018
The Cultural Significance of Citrines Throughout History
Wherever you search in history, citrine is revered for its association with wealth and prosperity, giving rise to it’s pseudonym: “The Merchant’s Stone”
Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egyptians wore citrine as amulets and associated the gemstone with the Sun God Ra.
Ancient Greece
The Ancient Greeks used citrine to worship Demeter, the Greek Goddess of Harvest and fertility, believing the stone would bring abundance.
Ancient Rome
The Romans associated citrines with the God Apollo and believed it brought success to the wearer.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, it was thought that citrine could ward off evil thoughts and protect the wearer from danger.
Renaissance
During the Renaissance, citrine became a symbol of wealth and status, frequently appearing in the crowns and regalia of monarchs.
Citrines in Modern Times
Art Deco/Art Nouveau
The 1920s and 30s marked a turning point for citrine when it saw a resurgence in popularity in the West, where it was embraced by the Art Nouveau movement and Hollywood starlets like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford.
1952 - Citrine becomes a Birthstone
Citrine was officially added to the American National Association of Jewellers’ list of birthstones, joining Topaz as the official birthstone for November and cementing its popularity for centuries to come!
1990 - The Malaga Citrine
The largest ever faceted citrine is known as the “Malaga” citrine, weighing in at a whopping 20,200 carats and measuring 20 x 15 x 10 centimetres. The huge rough gemstone was discovered in Mina Gerais, Brazil in 1990 before being cut and polished in 2009.
Want to learn more about Gemstones?
Discover the Essential Guide to Gemstones (PDF Booklet):
The PDF Essential Guide to Gemstones is a 22 page introductory guide to gemstones designed to help you better understand what gemstones are and how they’re used in jewellery making. This guide can be printed off and kept on your jewellers bench, or stored on your device to help you design and create your jewellery pieces.
This Guide includes:
What is a Gemstone?
What is a Carat and what determines the price of a Gemstone?
What is the Mohs Scale?
Anatomy of a Gemstone
Different Cuts of Gemstones
Quick Reference Guide to Gemstones (20 top gems)
Gemstones by Colour
Gemstones by Birthstone
Gemstones that can be Soldered and Cast
Gemstones to use with Silver Clay