Citrine
Citrine is a member of the macro-crystalline quartz group of minerals and ranges in colour from light yellow to golden brown. It is a
silicon dioxide, with traces of iron causing the yellow colour. Names such as brandy or Madeira citrine are used for the darker varieties.
The name citrine is derived from the French ‘citron’ meaning lemon. From the middle of the 18th century, many amethyst and smoky quartz
were subject to heat treatment as it was found that the purple and brown would disappear and be replaced by yellow. Today, heat treatment of
these stones is completely accepted in the trade and most citrines on the market are heated treated. Natural citrine is very rare and is usually
a pale yellow colour. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs' scale.
Citrine occurs in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and is found in Brazil, Spain, Russia, France, Scotland and the USA.
For a very long time citrine has been considered to have magical powers. It was thought to protect against the plague, snake and spider
bites and evil people. It was also thought to improve the functioning of some organs, such as the liver, heart, kidneys and digestive system.
Given as a present, citrine is a symbol of hope and strength.
Citrine is an alternative birthstone for November and is also given as a gift to celebrate a 13th wedding anniversary.