Citrines are gemstones that show tremendous clarity when in Citrine Rings, Citrine Pendants and Citrine Earrings for example, and are closely related to the amethyst due to the fact they are found next to each other in the earths crust. In past times they were also thought to be a sort of topaz, and were so called topaz quartz.
The rarest of the quartz family of gemstones, is the citrine.
A Citrine Poem
Citrine is our 'Sunny' stone
Novembers' birthstone, but not alone
Talisman against evil forever known
Citrine is the 'Sunny' stone
Composition of Citrine
It is a variety of crystal quartz rock that is very commonly used in all sorts of jewellery. Although it is relatively rare, it is composed of the earth's most abundant mineral - SiO2 (silica).
Hardness (Mohs) 7
Specific Gravity 2.65
Refractive Index 1.543-1.545
Solubility insoluble
Citrine Colour
The amount of iron oxide contaminants present in citrine, dictates the colour shades. If it had no contaminants it would be totally clear, more like quartz. The colours usually show pale yellow to bright yellow and "Madeira red" shades.
The colour shades are directly proportionate to the amount of oxides present. The more oxide inside the stone means deeper shades moving towards red. The less oxide means the shade move towards the yellow colours, and the most sought after variety called "sunny" yellow.
As usual, no matter what shade of yellow or even red is required, the stones showing more vivid and intense hues will be more valuable and sought after by the jewellery trade.
Citrine Clarity
Again, as with all other gemstones the clearer the individual gemstone is, the more valuable it is. The amount of internal imperfections (inclusions) present within the gemstone, determines how clear the clarity is. Very poor clarity will impede the transition of light through the stone and therefore reduces clarity dramatically. Perfectly clear examples of citrine are by no means rare, so there is no need to except anything but pure clarity examples.
Most clear citrine gems will be faceted because they are clear, and therefore are not generally made into beads or cabochons, unless of very poor clarity. These products will be very inexpensive in any case and not sought after usually within the jewellery trade for setting in to jewellery designs.
Cut of a Citrine
Citrines, just like all other gemstones, if they are cut deeper than usual they will show off more colour intensity than expected, but will look smaller in size. Without increasing the size of the top of the gem known as the crown, weight will be greater than expected to to the increased depth. If the gems are cut shallower than normal, although the stone may look bigger than its true weight, it will also show a poorer colour intensity.
To reflect light evenly, any good cut gemstone should show a proportionate symmetry when viewed fro the side.
The Brilliance of Citrine
The brilliance of a gemstone can be nearly as important as its actually colour. A stone which is relatively more free of inclusions, will allow the transmittance of more light, and therefore it will appear more brilliant (sparkling). It is just as important as if it were involved in cutting diamonds, that the cutter pays exceptionally attention to detail to produce optimum brilliance.
Where is Citrine Found?
Citrine is mined from Uruguay, Africa, certain regions in France, and the Ural of Russia. But, the most prolific area found, is that from the Brazilian mines where superb example are found.
Citrine Prices
The price of citrines is relatively low for even the best quality examples, showing great colour, perfect clarity and excellent cut. Because of it's abundance in these top qualities examples on the market, great prices can be easily found.
Enhancement Citrine
The heating of citrine to enhance their colour shades, especially the darker red tones, has been accepted by jewellers and trade bodies because it is permanent and will last its lifetime. Citrines respond well to this process.
Cleaning Citrine
The best and easiest way to clean your citrine jewellery is to gently scrub with a soft toothbrush in warm and mildly soapy water, followed by rinsing off in clean water to remove any residues. This will ensure to bring back all the sparkle of the stones and surrounding metals.
If you do have or intend to have and item of citrine jewellery, then don't let it sit in a box packed away so nobody can see it. Wear it. Show it off, and enjoy it!
The rarest of the quartz family of gemstones, is the citrine.
A Citrine Poem
Citrine is our 'Sunny' stone
Novembers' birthstone, but not alone
Talisman against evil forever known
Citrine is the 'Sunny' stone
Composition of Citrine
It is a variety of crystal quartz rock that is very commonly used in all sorts of jewellery. Although it is relatively rare, it is composed of the earth's most abundant mineral - SiO2 (silica).
Hardness (Mohs) 7
Specific Gravity 2.65
Refractive Index 1.543-1.545
Solubility insoluble
Citrine Colour
The amount of iron oxide contaminants present in citrine, dictates the colour shades. If it had no contaminants it would be totally clear, more like quartz. The colours usually show pale yellow to bright yellow and "Madeira red" shades.
The colour shades are directly proportionate to the amount of oxides present. The more oxide inside the stone means deeper shades moving towards red. The less oxide means the shade move towards the yellow colours, and the most sought after variety called "sunny" yellow.
As usual, no matter what shade of yellow or even red is required, the stones showing more vivid and intense hues will be more valuable and sought after by the jewellery trade.
Citrine Clarity
Again, as with all other gemstones the clearer the individual gemstone is, the more valuable it is. The amount of internal imperfections (inclusions) present within the gemstone, determines how clear the clarity is. Very poor clarity will impede the transition of light through the stone and therefore reduces clarity dramatically. Perfectly clear examples of citrine are by no means rare, so there is no need to except anything but pure clarity examples.
Most clear citrine gems will be faceted because they are clear, and therefore are not generally made into beads or cabochons, unless of very poor clarity. These products will be very inexpensive in any case and not sought after usually within the jewellery trade for setting in to jewellery designs.
Cut of a Citrine
Citrines, just like all other gemstones, if they are cut deeper than usual they will show off more colour intensity than expected, but will look smaller in size. Without increasing the size of the top of the gem known as the crown, weight will be greater than expected to to the increased depth. If the gems are cut shallower than normal, although the stone may look bigger than its true weight, it will also show a poorer colour intensity.
To reflect light evenly, any good cut gemstone should show a proportionate symmetry when viewed fro the side.
The Brilliance of Citrine
The brilliance of a gemstone can be nearly as important as its actually colour. A stone which is relatively more free of inclusions, will allow the transmittance of more light, and therefore it will appear more brilliant (sparkling). It is just as important as if it were involved in cutting diamonds, that the cutter pays exceptionally attention to detail to produce optimum brilliance.
Where is Citrine Found?
Citrine is mined from Uruguay, Africa, certain regions in France, and the Ural of Russia. But, the most prolific area found, is that from the Brazilian mines where superb example are found.
Citrine Prices
The price of citrines is relatively low for even the best quality examples, showing great colour, perfect clarity and excellent cut. Because of it's abundance in these top qualities examples on the market, great prices can be easily found.
Enhancement Citrine
The heating of citrine to enhance their colour shades, especially the darker red tones, has been accepted by jewellers and trade bodies because it is permanent and will last its lifetime. Citrines respond well to this process.
Cleaning Citrine
The best and easiest way to clean your citrine jewellery is to gently scrub with a soft toothbrush in warm and mildly soapy water, followed by rinsing off in clean water to remove any residues. This will ensure to bring back all the sparkle of the stones and surrounding metals.
If you do have or intend to have and item of citrine jewellery, then don't let it sit in a box packed away so nobody can see it. Wear it. Show it off, and enjoy it!
About the Author:
For a great deal on Beautiful Citrine Jewellery, then I suggest a visit to www.GlobeJewellery.co.uk. They have Superb Citrine Rings, Citrine Earrings and Citrine Pendants.