Citrine

Citrine is a member of the quartz family. Most citrine is mined in Brazil, particularly the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Serra and Iraâ mines produce hundreds of kilos of rough every month.

Citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.

Enhancement - Care and Cleaning - Lore and History

Enhancement

Much citrine starts its life as pale amethyst that is heated to remove the purple and develop its bright yellow to burnt orange tones.
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Care and Cleaning

The hardness of citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale and it is quite tough. Citrine is very durable, but try to avoid exposure to heat. Clean with warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Citrine can be put in ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
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Lore and History

In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Named after “citron,” the French name for lemon, most citrines have a light lemony color. Darker brownish-orange citrine is sometimes called "Madeira" citrine. Sunny and affordable, citrine blends especially well with the gleam of polished yellow gold.

Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz. Many yellow gems have been called topaz over the years. Since topaz is a separate mineral, the industry has ruled to eliminate this name as confusing and misleading.
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