Brief Intro To Citrine Jewellery
Citrine 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 former times they were also thought to be a form of topaz, and were so called topaz quartz.
Citrine is the least common of the quartz gemstone family.
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
Citrine is a gemstone variety of quartz that is present in all sorts of jewellery. Although relatively rare, it is made up from the earths most abundant mineral called silica (SiO2).
Hardness (Mohs) 7
Specific Gravity 2.65
Solubility insoluble
Solubility insoluble
Citrine Colour
The colour of Citrine comes from contaminants made up oxides of iron, and if it were uncontaminated it would be clear, just like quartz. The colours associated with this gemstone move from pale yellow to yellow-brown, also a "Madeira red".
The amount of colour in the stones is directly dependent upon the amount of iron, with the more iron content the more red or "Madeira" red the colour. These days the most sought after seem to be the "Sunny" and bright yellow hues.
Just like other gemstones, no matter what the actual colour, the intensity of that colour i.e. how dark the tones are, is relative to the costs. The greater the intensity of the colour shades the more expensive the gems are.
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. Clear examples of citrine are by no means rare, so there is no need to except anything but pure clarity examples.
Most citrine are found and mined with remarkably little inclusions and imperfections, so, they are mostly faceted and not made in to either cabochons or beads unless of quite poor quality. And in this case they would be darned inexpensive anyhow.
Cut of a Citrine
Citrine, 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, compared 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 clear cut gemstone, should show a proportionate symmetry when viewed from the side.
Brilliance of Citrine
A stone that does not have too many internal inclusion bodies will transmit more light, and therefore, sparkle more. This "brilliance" is almost as influential as the actual hue. It is as just pertinent as when cutting any other gemstone that attention to detail is paramount, so as to gain optimum brilliance.
Sources of Citrine
The best quality citrine is mined from Brazil, but good quality natural examples are sourced from all over Africa, Uruguay, Madagascar, parts of France and The Ural Mountains in Russia.
Prices Of Citrine
Many examples of citrine can be found for sale as loose pieces or in jewellery that show great colour, cut and perfect clarity, and therefore prices remain relatively low. Only the bigger sizes start to demand high prices.
Citrine Enhancements
Citrine, especially the darker colour varieties, respond well to colour enhancements by heating. This is permanent, will last the life time of the gem, and is universally accepted by all jewellers and trade associations.
Citrine Cleaning
To keep your Citrine Jewellery in best condition, clean it using warm water with mild soap or detergent, and then rinse thoroughly to remove residues. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease can also help when they have not been cleaned for a while.
If you do have or intend to have for instance, Citrine Rings, then don't let it sit in a box packed away so nobody can see it. Wear it, show it off, and most of all, enjoy it!
Citrine is the least common of the quartz gemstone family.
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
Citrine is a gemstone variety of quartz that is present in all sorts of jewellery. Although relatively rare, it is made up from the earths most abundant mineral called silica (SiO2).
Hardness (Mohs) 7
Specific Gravity 2.65
Solubility insoluble
Solubility insoluble
Citrine Colour
The colour of Citrine comes from contaminants made up oxides of iron, and if it were uncontaminated it would be clear, just like quartz. The colours associated with this gemstone move from pale yellow to yellow-brown, also a "Madeira red".
The amount of colour in the stones is directly dependent upon the amount of iron, with the more iron content the more red or "Madeira" red the colour. These days the most sought after seem to be the "Sunny" and bright yellow hues.
Just like other gemstones, no matter what the actual colour, the intensity of that colour i.e. how dark the tones are, is relative to the costs. The greater the intensity of the colour shades the more expensive the gems are.
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. Clear examples of citrine are by no means rare, so there is no need to except anything but pure clarity examples.
Most citrine are found and mined with remarkably little inclusions and imperfections, so, they are mostly faceted and not made in to either cabochons or beads unless of quite poor quality. And in this case they would be darned inexpensive anyhow.
Cut of a Citrine
Citrine, 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, compared 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 clear cut gemstone, should show a proportionate symmetry when viewed from the side.
Brilliance of Citrine
A stone that does not have too many internal inclusion bodies will transmit more light, and therefore, sparkle more. This "brilliance" is almost as influential as the actual hue. It is as just pertinent as when cutting any other gemstone that attention to detail is paramount, so as to gain optimum brilliance.
Sources of Citrine
The best quality citrine is mined from Brazil, but good quality natural examples are sourced from all over Africa, Uruguay, Madagascar, parts of France and The Ural Mountains in Russia.
Prices Of Citrine
Many examples of citrine can be found for sale as loose pieces or in jewellery that show great colour, cut and perfect clarity, and therefore prices remain relatively low. Only the bigger sizes start to demand high prices.
Citrine Enhancements
Citrine, especially the darker colour varieties, respond well to colour enhancements by heating. This is permanent, will last the life time of the gem, and is universally accepted by all jewellers and trade associations.
Citrine Cleaning
To keep your Citrine Jewellery in best condition, clean it using warm water with mild soap or detergent, and then rinse thoroughly to remove residues. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease can also help when they have not been cleaned for a while.
If you do have or intend to have for instance, Citrine Rings, then don't let it sit in a box packed away so nobody can see it. Wear it, show it off, and most of all, enjoy it!
About the Author:
If you want the best Citrine Rings and other Citrine Jewellery, then John S Stewart has over thirty years experience in the jewellery trade, and recommends visiting Globe Jewellery now!
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