November’s birthstone is citrine, a sunny quartz whose warm golden tones make it feel like wearing a little bit of sunshine. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, clients in our Leawood showroom love that citrine offers a rich, warm color at a very approachable price point.
The Sunshine Stone
Citrine is a variety of quartz that gets its yellow to golden-orange color from traces of iron. Its name comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon, a nod to its bright, citrusy hues. The finest citrine displays a deep, saturated golden-orange color, often compared to Madeira wine.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Here’s a surprising fact: most citrine on the market today actually starts out as purple amethyst. When amethyst is heated, either naturally within the earth or in a lab, its iron impurities shift and turn the stone yellow or orange. Natural, untreated citrine does exist, but it is considerably rarer than its heat-treated counterpart.
A Gem of Abundance
Throughout history, citrine has been associated with warmth, joy, and prosperity. Ancient civilizations carried citrine as a protective talisman during travel, and it was popularized in jewelry during the Art Deco era, when its sunny color paired beautifully with the period’s bold, geometric designs.
Durability and Care
Citrine ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable and practical choice for rings, bracelets, and other jewelry worn often. It can typically be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and most citrine can safely be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner as well.
Lilliane’s Tip: Citrine’s warm tone looks wonderful in yellow gold for a monochromatic, sunny look, but it also creates striking contrast set in white gold or paired with cooler-toned stones like blue topaz.
Quick Facts About Citrine
- Mohs Hardness: 7
- Color Range: Pale yellow to deep golden-orange
- Symbolism: Joy, abundance, and warmth
- Zodiac Connection: Scorpio and Sagittarius
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is citrine a good everyday stone?
Yes. With a hardness of 7 and few natural inclusions, citrine is quite durable and well-suited to rings and other jewelry worn regularly.
Q: Why is most citrine heat-treated?
Natural citrine is quite rare, so most citrine on the market is created by heating amethyst or smoky quartz, which shifts their color to citrine’s signature yellow and orange tones. This is a stable, permanent, and widely accepted treatment.
Visit Us in Leawood
If you were born in November or simply love citrine’s warm, sunny glow, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to see this cheerful gem in person.
