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Citrine is one
of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the
durability and availability of this golden quartz.
Named from the French name for lemon,"citron,"
many citrines have a juicy lemon color.
Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades
of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine
can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending
especially well with the yellow gleam of polished
gold.
In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection
against snake venom and evil thoughts.
Although the darker, orange colors of citrine,
sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of
the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in
modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony
shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is
generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also
available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and
shapes, including very large sizes.
Most citrine is mined in Brazil. Supply of citrine is
good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul,
particularly from the Serra mine, which is producing
300kg a month of hammered goods. The Iraâ mine
produces an additional 100kg a month of hammered
goods.
Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz
quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the
past in reference to the color, which is sometimes
similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a
separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing
and should not be used. However, citrine is considered
an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for
November.
Since most citrine on the market started its life as
amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold,
citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should
be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light
or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will
last for many generations.
(© ICA)
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