Citrine is yellow to orange quartz and is colored by traces of iron. Natural-color citrine is rare and is usually light yellow. Most citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst but in some deposits, amethyst has been partially or completely turned into yellow citrine by natural heating. Smoky quartz from certain localities can also become citrine with heat treatment, and some citrine is the result of irradiating colorless quartz.
Besides being an alternate birthstone for November, citrine is the 13th wedding anniversary stone. The term “citrine” originates from the Latin word “citrus,” the name of an African tree with a lemon-like fruit, the first citrus fruit to become available in the West. “Citron” means “lemon” in French and Swedish.
Based in London, Ingo Henn (FGA) (FIPG), grew up among the cutters and goldsmiths linked to his parents’ family business in Idar-Oberstein. He orchestrates the creation of Henn of London’s bespoke jewelry designs, working with a team of expert craftspeople. After he selects exceptional gems, he lets them speak to him and inspire the finished creations. See more examples at www.hennoflondon.co.uk.
Information on other quartz gems is in my Gemstone Buying Guide. How to evaluate, identify, select & care for colored gems. www.reneenewman.com/gemstone.htm
Guest articles by Renée Newman:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/renee-newman
About the author:
Renée Newman is a gemologist (GG, GIA), lecturer, writer and author of 15 books on gems and jewelry. Her goal is to provide consumers and jewelry professionals with unbiased, affordable information on how to buy, evaluate and appreciate gems and jewelry. She can be reached through her website:
