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.

Pink Tourmaline; Did you know?

October, the month of  Halloween and all things black, orange and pink?    Along with Opals;  Pink Tourmaline is this month’s star.   So, for today’s post, I thought we’d look at a few myths, facts and interesting trivia about Pink Tourmaline.   Many know the story of the opal but few have been introduced to the brilliance of tourmaline….

Tourmaline has been known by a wide variety of names and has even said to have magical properties.   Tourmaline occurs in all the colors of the rainbow and in some cases is even composed of 2 or more colors.   Tourmaline is one gemstones that can be found in all the colors of the rainbow, why? Well, I could give you the scientific explaination but, I much prefer the legend.   According to ancient legend the reason tourmaline is found in all colors is because the gemstone traveled along the  rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors.   So, along with diamonds, tourmaline maybe the best fashion accessory available!  Gotta love it!

Over the millennial, tourmaline has been known by a whole host of names from tsiaisite, dravite, chromdravite, achroite and rubellite; this is the short list!   And interestingly enough, philosopher Theophrastus noted its magnetic properties by its ability to attract bits of straw and wood.   This effect is called pyroelectricity; this occurs when the crystal is heated causing it to have a positive charge at one end of the crystal and a negative on the either end of the crystal.   This might be a cool party trick and if pressure is applied a different effect known as piezoelectricity occurs.    This allows tourmaline to be utilized in instruments that measure pressure.

In addition to the pragmatic qualities,  Tourmaline has been credited with the following mystical powers:

Increasing self-confidence

Inspiring creativity in the wearer

Helping one amplify their physic energies

Help to neutralize negative energies

Gain deeper understandings of situations

Dispense grief and fear

and has been known to relax the mind and body.

So, we’ve proven that Tourmaline is not only practical but also has positive effects on the wearer.    Isn’t it about time that you added tourmaline to your jewelry wardrobe?  Stop in today to check out our unique line of pink tourmaline, green tourmaline and rubellite jewelry.

Alexa Rose Fine Jewelry

9917 E Bell Rd #140

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.656.0652

877.302.5392