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November - CitrineCitrine...the birthstone for November. This beautiful, golden quartz stone is one of our favorites because its color perfectly complements the gleam of polished gold. The sunny, intense, yellow gold color of Citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style. We travel to Thailand several times a year hand selecting the best Citrines in the world.
When a Perrywinkle Citrine is placed into a ring, pendant, earring, necklace, or bracelet from our collection of original, timeless designs, it will make a perfect gift.
Citrine Education
Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon, "citron," because many citrines have a juicy lemon color. Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange-brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold. Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes. At Perrywinkle's we carry a vast selection of beautiful citrine jewelry beginning at $100.
Gemology
Most citrine is mined in Brazil. Supply of citrine is good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly from the Serra mine, which is producing 300 kilos a month of hammered goods. The Ira mine produces an additional 100 kilos a month of hammered goods.
Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.
Uncut Citrine
Lore
In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine is known as the "success stone" because it promotes success, prosperity, and abundance. It particularly promotes success in business, earning it another nickname, "merchant's stone", and is said to bring business if put in the cashbox of a shop or carried. Citrine is a stone of good fortune, although it brings good fortune in sometimes-unexpected ways. It is a stone of manifestation, helping manifest abundance in many ways. Along with prosperity and good fortune, citrine imparts generosity, to share the wealth, so to speak.
Crystal Structure
Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal), compact.
MAJOR SOURCES
Brazil
PROPERTIES
Refractive Index: 1.544
Hardness : 7 (Moh's Scale)
Specific Gravity: 2.6
Optic Character: double refractive
Phenomena: None
CARE
Ultrasonic: Generally Safe to use.
Steamer: Risky if held too close to steam.
Resistance to heat: Poor; temperature changes may affect color.
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