November Birthstone: 10 Fun Facts (Citrine)
Above: Three examples of Citrine in Erin’s Cox Jewellery’s gem collection.
Want to learn more about Citrine?
Read on for 10 fun facts about this sunny-toned gem…
November's Birthstone: Like Topaz, Citrine is also one of November's birthstones. It’s the perfect gem for those born in this autumnal month, symbolising joy, prosperity, and energy. Citrine is believed to bring warmth and positivity to the wearer, making it an uplifting choice for November babies.
Sunshine in a Stone: Citrine is often admired for its radiant golden-yellow hues, reminiscent of sunshine. From pale lemon shades to deep amber, this gemstone embodies the warmth of sunlight, making it a bright and cheerful addition to your jewellery.
A Stone of Abundance: Citrine has long been known as the "Merchant’s Stone" due to its reputation for attracting wealth and abundance. Whether you believe in the mystical properties or just adore its glow, Citrine has become a symbol of success and good fortune.
Naturally Rare, Often Heat-Treated: True natural Citrine is quite rare, so most Citrine on the market is created by heat-treating Amethyst or Smoky Quartz to achieve that vibrant yellow colour. This process enhances the gemstone's hue, creating the warm, sunny tones Citrine is known for.
The Name’s Origin: The name “Citrine” is derived from the French word citron, meaning “lemon,” due to its characteristic yellow colour. This fruity reference perfectly captures the fresh, zesty look of the gemstone.
A Member of the Quartz Family: Citrine belongs to the Quartz family, making it a fairly durable gemstone with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This toughness, combined with its sunny glow, makes Citrine a fantastic option for everyday wear.
Famous in History: Citrine has been prized since ancient times. It was particularly popular in Ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used in intaglio (engraved) rings and other fine jewellery. In the 19th century, it enjoyed a resurgence during the Art Deco era, often featured in bold, geometric designs.
Brazilian Beauty: Brazil is the leading producer of Citrine, with the majority of the world’s supply coming from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The gemstone can also be found in other locations such as Spain, Madagascar, and the USA.
A Stone for Healing: Believed to promote clarity of thought and creativity, Citrine is often associated with healing properties. It’s said to energise the wearer, clear negative energy, and aid in manifesting goals. Whether you believe in these powers or not, there’s no denying the gem’s positive, vibrant presence!
Custom Handmade Jewellery: At Erin Cox Jewellery, we offer a bespoke service allowing you to commission one of a kind designs featuring Citrine. Learn more about our bespoke process here.