What is citrine? A guide to the gemstone
Journal · Gemstone Education
What is citrine? A guide to the gemstone
Citrine is one of the most wearable gemstones in fine jewellery — warm in colour, durable in everyday use, and distinctive without being loud. Here is everything you need to know.
What is citrine?
Citrine is a variety of quartz — the same mineral family as amethyst and rose quartz. Its colour ranges from pale lemon yellow through warm amber and deep orange-brown, depending on the iron content in the crystal. The name comes from the French word for lemon: citron.
Natural citrine is relatively rare. Most commercially available citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which turns yellow or orange when heated. Both are genuine quartz — only the colour has been enhanced. At Glasaje, the citrine we use is ethically sourced and naturally warm-toned.
Citrine properties
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Quartz (SiO2) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 — suitable for everyday rings, necklaces and earrings |
| Colour range | Pale lemon to deep amber-orange |
| Clarity | Eye-clean — typically no visible inclusions |
| Birthstone | November |
| Source | Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Scotland |
Is citrine durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, citrine is harder than most everyday materials. It is well suited to rings, pendants, and earrings worn daily. The one precaution: prolonged direct sunlight can fade the colour over time, so storing pieces away from strong light when not wearing them is good practice.
Citrine vs other yellow gemstones
| Gemstone | Mohs hardness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citrine | 7 | Warm yellow to amber. Accessible. Excellent everyday durability. |
| Yellow sapphire | 9 | Harder, brighter. Significantly more expensive. |
| Yellow topaz | 8 | Similar colour range to citrine. Can be confused with it. |
| Yellow diamond | 10 | The hardest material. Intense colour. Very high price point. |
Citrine in Glasaje jewellery
Glasaje uses citrine in two pieces: the Tawny Ring and the Tawny Necklace. Both feature an emerald-cut citrine set in solid 9ct gold, made to order in Melbourne. The emerald cut — a step-cut rectangular form — emphasises the clarity and warm tone of the stone. The result is a considered piece built for daily wear, backed by our 12-month warranty.
How to care for citrine jewellery
Citrine is straightforward to maintain. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are all you need for regular cleaning. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can crack or cloud the stone. Store citrine pieces in a soft pouch away from direct sunlight and harder gemstones.
Frequently asked questions about citrine
What is citrine made of?
Citrine is a variety of quartz — silicon dioxide (SiO2) — coloured yellow to orange by traces of iron within the crystal structure. It belongs to the same mineral family as amethyst and rose quartz.
Is citrine a precious gemstone?
Citrine is classified as a semi-precious gemstone. The four traditionally precious gemstones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. That said, high-quality citrine in deep amber tones is considered a fine gemstone and appears in high jewellery.
Is citrine suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. Citrine’s Mohs hardness of 7 makes it durable for daily rings, necklaces, and earrings. Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the colour over time.
What is the birthstone for November?
Citrine is one of the two birthstones for November (alongside topaz). It is a popular gift for November birthdays and the 13th wedding anniversary.
What colour is citrine?
Citrine ranges from pale lemon yellow to deep amber and orange-brown. The most sought-after shades are warm, saturated amber with good clarity and no visible inclusions. The stones used in Glasaje pieces are warm-toned with excellent eye-clean clarity.
