November Gift Stone: Citrine

My favorite citrine earrings in silver with moonstones.

November Gift Stone: Citrine

Citrines remind me of the beauty of fall tree colors in North America. A member of the quartz family, citrines are hardy for every day wear and add a hint of elegance to any outfit.

Citrine is a transparent, yellow variety of Quartz, ranging in color from pale to golden yellow, honey or almost brown, and may contain rainbow or sparkle inclusions.

The name "Citrine" comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon. It was used as a gem in Greece as far back as 300 B.C., and because of its color, is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Gold Topaz, Madeira or Spanish Topaz, or Safranite.

According to Gemstones of the World, most of the commercial  Citrine on the market is heat-treated Amethyst or Smoky Quartz that produces an enhanced Citrine color, usually a deeper amber or orange-reddish shade. Although beautiful, I prefer the citrines that are closer to the gold tone colors. 

Most Natural Citrine is a pale yellow color. 

Charlotte