November Birthstone Spotlight: Citrine 'The Yellow One'
Dubbed ‘the yellow one’, sunny citrine is a birthstone for the month of November. Instantly distinguishable by its vivid citrus colour, the gemstone is a popular choice for rings and necklaces, as well as earrings. Citrine has been a firm jewellery stone favourite for centuries.
What is Citrine?
A member of the quartz family.
A Brief History of Citrine
Most of the Citrine used in jewellery is mined in the mountainous regions of Brazil and Bolivia. This has had the richest and most accessible sources in recent times. Its sunny yellow colour has led to it being linked with the properties of the sun. Some of its metaphysical traits include prosperity and abundance, alongside creativity.
The Colours of Citrine
Citrine comes from the French ‘citron‘, meaning yellow. It’s a type of quartz gemstone, with colours ranging from the lightest yellow to golden and deep brown hues. The colour variation is due to the presence of iron when the quartz is being formed. The result is a gemstone that’s high in demand, reasonably priced, yet fairly rare in nature.
Cleaning Citrine Jewellery
- Citrine is best cleaned by dipping in warm water with a little non-abrasive dishwater soap. Rinsing and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Just a few minutes in the water is usually enough to loosen any dirt.
- A soft toothbrush can also be used with soapy water to remove any stubborn dirt.
- Ensure it’s completely dry before storing.
- Avoid extremes of heat that can damage the stone.
- Citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale, so store it carefully in its own pouch, or rolled in cloth to avoid it scratching softer stones, or being scratched by harder stones like diamond. Citrine is also tough though, so doesn’t chip or break easily.
- Remove citrine jewellery before using chemicals such as bleaches and cleaning agents, or doing activities that may lead to it being scratched or damaged.
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Mythical Citrine
Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz that has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is one of the birthstones for November and a symbol of manifestation, wealth, and imagination.
In ancient mythology, Citrine is attributed with two divine deities: Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest who is associated with productivity; and Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war who is associated with power.
According to the Gemmological Institute of America website, people also believed that citrine could calm tempers, soothe anger, and manifest desires, especially prosperity. Egyptians used citrine as talismans, whilst the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings.
Some legends say that citrine made men more handsome and intelligent, and helped women bear more children and increase happiness. It was also thought to attract love, prevent heartbreak, instil confidence, and repel negative energy.
Citrine is often called “The Merchant’s Stone” because of its reputation for bringing wealth and success.
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