November birthdays are often overshadowed by the upcoming holiday season, but the birthstone for this month is definitely worth celebrating. Citrine, a beautiful yellow gemstone, is the perfect way to brighten up the dark and dreary days of November.
As a gift from the sun, citrine is said to bring warmth, energy, and joy to its wearer. In this article, we’ll explore the history, meaning, and beauty of citrine, and why it makes the perfect gift for anyone born in November.
What is Citrine?
Citrine, a variety of quartz with a warm yellow hue, has been revered since ancient times for its decorative value and is believed to possess healing properties that provide a sense of calm and comfort.
Its name derives from the Old French word for lemon, “citron“, and its warm color is said to be a gift from the sun, making it the perfect birthstone for brightening up a typically chilly autumnal month, November. It shares a history of mistaken identity with yellow topaz, and both are thought to carry similar powers.
It is a popular gemstone known for its beauty and positive energy, and it has been used in jewelry and other decorative items for centuries.
History of Citrine
The historical significance of this yellow gemstone is evident in its use by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who crafted it into talismans, ornaments, and even weapon handles for protection.
The stone was also believed to ward off snake venom and evil thoughts. Between 300 and 150 BC, citrines adorned the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland, not only for decorative purposes but also for protection.
Is Citrine A Birthstone?
Citrines have been highly valued for their remarkable beauty and dazzling appearance across various historical periods. As the birthstone for November, they also symbolize the radiant and energizing qualities of the sun, embodying the essence of vitality and life itself.
The color spectrum of this November birthstone encompasses vibrant yellow shades and a multi-faceted clarity, serving as a representation of sound and the healthy mind-body connection.
Citrine Crystal Meaning
Citrine derives its name from the Latin term “citrin,” which highlights its clarity and pale citrus-like color. It is often referred to as a “Sun Stone” due to its ability to retain sunlight and absorb its energy. The old French term for citrine, “citron,” draws a connection to the lemon fruit, emphasizing its autumnal shades ranging from light yellow to vibrant orange.
Its symbolism of it is rooted in its ability to attract wealth and prosperity, making it a popular choice for those seeking financial abundance. As a stone of abundance and manifestation, it is believed to bring success and good fortune to its wearer, as well as encourage generosity and sharing of wealth. Its association with the sun also imbues it with a warm, uplifting energy that can help dispel negativity and promote positivity.
Benefits & Properties
- Emotional Healing
Citrine facilitates emotional healing by reducing sensitivity to criticism, inspiring creativity and self-expression, and promoting optimism for new experiences. As a powerful purifier of one’s center, it helps to identify and heal issues of power abuse and feelings of helplessness.
By releasing anger and negative feelings, deep-seated fears, and destructive tendencies, it opens the higher mind to accept joy in one’s life and allows one to move forward optimistically, enjoying new experiences and explorations. It raises self-esteem and enables one to understand what is necessary to resolve difficult situations, providing the courage and fortitude needed to take action.
- Physical Healing
Natural Citrine’s physical healing properties are known to enhance the endocrine system, stimulate digestion, and promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. It is beneficial in treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and reversing degenerative diseases, as well as balancing the thyroid and diminishing growths.
It is also effective in eliminating infections of the kidney and bladder, treating bedwetting, and relieving menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It aids in short-term memory loss, stimulates nerve impulses, and strengthens intellectual faculties of concentration and wisdom.
- Chakra Balancing
The balance and alignment of the body’s seven chakras are essential for maintaining optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It is a powerful energy amplifier that can aid in chakra balancing, particularly the Solar Plexus and Sacral Chakras, which are associated with personal power, creativity, and manifestation.
Its gold ray also stimulates the Crown Chakra, allowing for synthesis between the intellect and the body’s total perfection. By using Citrine to channel pure Crown energy back to the lower chakras, one can increase mental clarity, and focus, and protect and direct the use of the creative Life Force in one’s life.
- Feng Shui
In the practice of feng shui, it is often utilized to enhance the flow of positive energy in the home. It can be used to activate the Tai Qi area, which represents health and well-being, and the Xun area, which is connected to abundance and wealth.
It is also associated with the earth element, which represents stability and grounding, making it useful for those who feel ungrounded or anxious. Placing a piece of citrine in your wallet can encourage generosity and wealth retention, while wearing citrines can keep its positive energy with you throughout the day.
Science of Citrine Stone
- Coloration
Iron content is responsible for the coloration in citrine, which is extremely rare in nature and often achieved through heat treatment of other quartz varieties. The presence of iron in the quartz generates a range of tones from lemon yellow to shades of amber.
Although natural citrine is almost always a pale-yellow color, the heat treatment process creates a beautiful golden hue that is highly sought after. The processed variety of citrine is less expensive and more common, while natural citrine commands a higher price due to its rarity and unique coloration.
- Hardness
With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is a relatively hard mineral that is resistant to scratching and abrasions. This level of hardness makes citrine a durable gemstone that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Where to Buy Citrine Online?
There are plenty of places to buy this gem online. From specialty online shops to online giants like Amazon.
Our recommendation is to browse Amazon first to get a sense of prices, variety, and quality. Then do a detailed comparison online. Another specialty retailer is TinyRituals, which only sells gemstones of grade AA or higher.
How To Tell If Citrine Is Real?
Fortunately, if you happen to have a magnifying loupe, spotting this fake is a breeze. Just take a close look at the stone under 10X magnification and keep an eye out for any bubbles. While genuine citrine can have some inclusions, you won’t see them in the form of round bubbles.
These bubbles are your best bet for quickly determining whether the stone is real or not, especially since glass shares similar properties with quartz and can be tricky to differentiate through simple tests.
Rarity
The rarity of natural citrine contributes to its high value in the gemstone market. The most sought-after color of citrine, a clear, radiant yellow-to-brownish-red, is particularly rare in naturally-occurring stones. Due to its scarcity, citrine falling into this category commands an even higher price tag than other natural citrine stones.
Determining the Value of Citrine
The Color of the gemstone is crucial, with vibrant and saturated hues being more valuable. Clarity is another essential aspect, as high-quality Citrine should be transparent and free from flaws. Treatment, such as heat enhancement, can affect its price. Market demand, influenced by trends and availability, impacts the value.
The cut, craftsmanship, and carving of Citrine jewelry contribute to its worth. Carat and size are considerations, as larger stones may have higher mining costs. Also, the source of Citrine can impact its value, with certain locations producing higher-quality specimens that command a premium price.
Sources of Citrine Crystal
Natural citrine is primarily sourced from Bolivia, Madagascar, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay. These countries are known to have the most abundant sources of the gemstone. It is often found in quartz veins and is usually a result of heat treatment.
The process involves heating amethyst to a high temperature, which changes its color to a yellow or golden hue. However, it is important to note that not all citrine is natural, as some are produced by heating amethyst artificially.
Citrine Jewelry
Citrine jewelry offers a diverse range of options for adornment, including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, brooches, engagement rings, birthstone jewelry, cufflinks, and jewelry sets. These pieces showcase the beauty of Citrine gemstones, whether as a centerpiece or in combination with other stones.
Celebrities & Royalties with Citrine
In the early 20th century, Hollywood movie stars such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford were known to wear large and elaborate citrine jewelry during the Art Deco era. More recently, celebrities including Emma Watson, Kate Winslet, Naomie Harris, and Tara Reid have all been photographed wearing beautiful citrine jewelry at red-carpet events.
However, it is not just Hollywood stars drawn to citrine’s beauty. Royalties around the world have also been seen wearing citrine jewelry. Queen Sirikit of Thailand owns a diamond and citrine tiara, Queen Sonja of Norway received a modern, metallic, citrine tiara for her 60th birthday, and the Luxembourg Royal Family also owns a collection of citrine-adorned jewelry.
Popular Types of Citrine
- Ametrine: A captivating gemstone combining amethyst and golden citrine, creating a mesmerizing blend of hues in a single stone.
- Champagne Citrine: With a subtle champagne color, exuding elegance and sophistication. Not a real citrine, just a color term.
- Smoky Citrine: Characterized by its smoky brown color, adding a touch of earthiness to its charm, sometimes marketed as a Smoky Citrine but is actually a Smoky Quartz.
- Honey Citrine: A variety resembling the warm golden hue of honey, radiating warmth and positivity. Known as Honey Citrine but is actually a Honey Calcite.
- Madeira Citrine: Known for its deep orange-brown shade reminiscent of Madeira wine, this exudes richness and depth.
Citrine vs. Other Stones
Citrine vs Topaz: Citrine and topaz may appear similar in color, but they are distinct gemstones with different mineral compositions and properties.
Citrine vs Smoky Quartz: While citrine and smoky quartz share a similar warm hue, they have different mineral structures and energetic qualities.
Citrine vs Green Aventurine: Citrine and green aventurine differ in color and energy, with citrine offering a sunny yellow radiance while green aventurine exudes a soothing green hue.
Citrine vs Carnelian: Citrine and Carnelian exhibit different colors and energies, with Citrine displaying a bright yellow glow and Carnelian showcasing a fiery orange-red hue.
Citrine vs Golden Rutilated Quartz: Citrine and golden rutilated quartz possess distinct characteristics, with citrine featuring a pure yellow color and golden rutilated quartz showcasing golden needle-like inclusions.
Final Thoughts
Citrine, the November birthstone, is a stunning gemstone with a rich history and deep symbolism. Its sunny appearance and fiery energy make it a popular choice for jewelry and a cherished gift for loved ones. From its scientific composition to its spiritual properties, it is a gemstone that has captured the hearts and minds of people for centuries.
The rarity of natural citrine only adds to its allure, making it a highly sought-after gemstone. However, modern technology has made it possible to create citrine artificially, which has led to some controversy within the gemstone industry.
Regardless of its origin, it remains a gemstone that is valued for its beauty, meaning, and healing properties. Whether you are drawn to citrine for its aesthetic appeal or its spiritual significance, it is a gemstone that is sure to brighten your day and bring joy to your life.
FAQs
Who should not wear Citrine?
Those with excessive anger or aggression should avoid wearing Citrine.
What is the energy of Citrine?
Citrine carries the energy of joy, abundance, and manifestation.
Is Citrine good luck?
Citrine is often considered a stone of good luck and success.
Is it okay to wear Citrine every day?
It is generally safe to wear Citrine every day, as long as it resonates positively with you.