Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) coloured yellow to orange by trace amounts of iron. Natural citrine is actually quite rare — the vast majority of commercial citrine is produced by heat-treating amethyst (purple quartz) or smoky quartz, which changes the colour from purple or brown to yellow-orange. This treatment is stable and permanent. Natural citrine tends to be a softer, more subtle yellow, while heat-treated citrine is typically a deeper, more saturated orange. Both are considered genuine citrine in the gem trade.

Natural citrine is a soft, pale yellow to champagne colour — quite different from the deep orange commonly sold. "Madeira" citrine is a deep, golden-orange named after Madeira wine. Palmeira citrine is a rich amber shade. Ametrine is a naturally occurring combination of amethyst and citrine in a single crystal, displaying zones of purple and yellow. "Lemon quartz" or "oro verde" is a related treated variety with a vivid greenish-yellow colour.

The name citrine comes from the French word "citron," meaning lemon. Citrine was popular in ancient Greek and Roman jewellery, often carved into intaglios and worn as decorative talismans. The stone enjoyed a major resurgence during the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, when large, dramatic gemstones were fashionable. Hollywood stars of the era wore bold citrine brooches, necklaces, and cocktail rings. Citrine remains one of the most popular and affordable coloured gemstones.

Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone" or "success stone," traditionally believed to attract prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. It is associated with optimism, creativity, and personal power. In crystal healing, citrine is linked to the solar plexus chakra and is believed to boost confidence, motivation, and self-expression. It is one of the few stones said to never absorb negative energy and therefore never needs cleansing.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Safe for ultrasonic cleaning in most cases. Protect from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat, which can fade the colour (particularly in heat-treated specimens). Avoid harsh chemicals. Store separately from harder gemstones. Citrine is durable enough for everyday wear in all types of jewellery.

Citrine's golden warmth is stunning in both vintage-inspired and modern settings. Large citrine cocktail rings make bold, accessible statement pieces. Citrine pendant necklaces add a cheerful pop of colour to any outfit. Citrine and diamond combinations in yellow gold create a cohesive, warm aesthetic. The affordability of large citrine stones means you can go big without a big budget. Ametrine, with its natural split of purple and gold, makes for particularly unique and eye-catching jewellery.