Citrine – Did you know?

Citrine, one of November’s birth stones!  I thought today we would look at this lovely, earthy and luminous gemstone.   Citrine has been closely linked to topaz and often is referred to as gold topaz or Madeira or Spanish topaz.   While this is actually a misnomer the connection has been made and its become inexplicably linked both on a molecular and mystically level.

So, what is citrine?

Citrine is a yellow to golden brown colored gemstone that is similar to quartz with a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale.   This indicates that citrine is a hard stone and can with stand some scratches and pings to it.  However, bear in mind that even a diamond can break with continued pings from just day-to-day activities so just imagine that other less substantial stones are just as susceptible to scratches and chipping.  So, be sure to wear and enjoy your jewelry but be mindful to take your jewelry off while at the gym, doing household chores and participating in other sports (hiking, swimming, etc.)  For more details on caring for your jewelry; check out some of our tips.

Citrine is relatively new on the jewelry scene with it gaining prominence during the 1930′s Europe and citrine has since made the leap across the pond to the US.   Citrine was made available in Europe by  Ida Oberstein and the  boom was sustained by the supply he made available.   His connection?  He owned several mines in Brazil that were exporting citrine to Europe.  Today, little has changed as  most of the world’s citrine is mined and exported from Brazil.

As mentioned previously, citrine has been linked with Topaz’s mystical qualities.  Some of the powers attributed to citrine are;

acting as a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect;

it dispels sadness, anger and nocturnal fears;

it warns the wearer of poisons and protects one from sudden death;

it makes men handsome and intelligent;

it makes sterile women fertile and happy;

and one could immerse their hand in boiling water after a gemstone has been thrown into and remove one’s hand unharmed!

Today, citrine is not in as high demand in previous years, however, as it’s a very affordable gemstone and as the color spectrum is from the clear yellow hues all the way to the reddish warm browns there is something for everyone.  And in today’s economic conditions one can splurge a little for a great look!

Check out our selection of gemstone jewelry, all of which can be produced in citrine or your other favorite gemstone.