Citrine is transparent, coarse-grained variety of the silica mineral quartz. This is a semiprecious gem that is valued for its yellow to brownish color and its resemblance to the rarer topaz. Natural citrine is rare compared to amethyst or smoky quartz, both of which are often heated to turn their natural color into that of citrine. Citrine is the stone for the month of November. Many people have come to know and love this stone under the name gold topaz, or Madeira or Spanish topaz, although in actual fact it has very little in common with the higher-quality gemstone topaz - except for a few nuances of colour. Thus the history of the citrine is closely interwoven with that of the topaz, and coincides with it completely when it comes to the interpretation of alleged miraculous powers. This gemstone offers the stone lovers almost everything their hearts desire in terms of adornment and decoration, from absolutely clear rock crystal to black onyx. And it does so at prices, which are by no means unaffordable. Citrine along with topaz is birthstones of Scorpions i.e. Oct 24 - Nov 21 whereas this is the anniversary gemstone for the 17th year of marriage.
 Pale yellow to a madeira orange in all of its glorious golden and yellow colors. The yellow color is from the presence of iron while the darker the color, the higher is the grade. The name is also derived from the colour i.e. the yellow of the lemon, although the most sought-after stones have a clear, radiant yellowish to brownish red. Like all crystal quartzes, the citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh`s scale. Thus, it is insensitive to scratches to a large extent. It won`t immediately take offence at being knocked about either, since its cleavage properties are non-existent. Even if their refractive index is relatively low, the yellow stones have just that mellow, warm tone that seems to have captured the last glow of autumn. Citrine jewellery shimmers and brings a hint of sunshine to those dull November days like golden Rhine wine or sparkling Madeira. These are heavy and sweet. There are not many yellow gemstones in the world of jewels. A diamond or a sapphire may be yellow, but those will be expensive. Sometimes a tourmaline or chrysoberyl, though these tend toward green or sometimes a golden beryl or eben i.e. a pure topaz. Nevertheless, the citrine fulfils everyone`s colour wishes, from lemon yellow to reddish brown.
 Citrine can be easily scratched. The gemstone permanently changes color if left in the sunlight for several hours, hence citrine jewelry should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. This is actually a beautiful translucent yellow gemstone. The larger the stone, the more golden the tone is. It is a popular and affordable alternative to the much more expensive yellow sapphire or yellow diamond. To create wonderful multi-colored jewelry, it is often combined with other stones such as peridot, amethyst, and garnet. It may be distinguished from topaz by its inferior hardness and from decolorized amethyst by its lack of reddish cast.
Citrine is valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory. It aids digestion, and removes toxins from the body. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It helps fighting diabetes as well. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes. This is the signature of wisdom and peace. It stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of the bridge between higher mental body and intuitional levels. Citrine is said to help one to connect with spirit. It enhances creativity and also motivates writers.
Citrine is known as the lucky `Merchants Stone`. If anyone is in any type of sales, he can put a citrine in the cash drawer and can watch the difference in his business. These also increase self-esteem, protect from the negative energy from someone else`s abuse, open the mind to new thoughts, and promote clarity of thought.
Other Gemstones
Gemstones for Planets
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