CITRINE

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CITRINE IS A VARIETY OF QUARTZ that is colored yellow to medium brown. Its color is derived from the presence of hydrous iron oxide, and examples can vary from translucent to nearly opaque. The word citrine comes from “citrus” and refers to its yellow hue. Naturally colored citrine is rare, and most examples used in the gemstone trade are actually heat-treated amethyst. Citrine is mined in many of the same locations as amethyst, but the finest examples are found in Scotland, India, and Russia.

The folklore about citrine is often confusing, because what was referred to in early texts as “citrini” was likely to have been yellow corundum or topaz. The Greeks honored the stone for its ability to fill one’s life with joy, and it was believed to bring its owner good luck and prosperity. Citrine is now used widely in the metaphysical realm of healing. Some practitioners believe it to be one of the most powerful stones in realizing one’s creative potential and restoring financial health. It is an alternate birthstone for November and has been associated with the sign Gemini.