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 Citrine,
based on the French word «citron» refers to any quartz crystal or quartz
cluster that has a yellow or citrus color to it. Despite the fact that this stone
is known from the time immemorial, for centuries it did not have a name.
Moreover, it was misnamed a topaz, to which it has a very strong resemblance.
All in all, more than twenty names for citrine were known and they all were considered
to be different stones, while in fact these names referred to one stone, citrine.
Citrine
received its name in 1747 owing to Valerius. It is formed from the Latin word «citreus»
meaning «of lemon color" (natural citrines are mostly pale yellow, while those
obtained from amethyst or smoky quartz have a much darker hue, often with a
hint of red).
Citrine is
often used as a cut stone, although it is quite rare naturally. Despite this,
there is sufficient quantity for citrine to be one of the most available and
well priced of the cut gemstones. Like most gemstones, citrine exhibits a range
of different shades, from a rich deep unmistakable orange to pale lemon yellow.
Rare though
it is, yellow does in fact occur in quartz in nature, if seldom, when there are
traces of iron in the silicon dioxide. Historically, it has been found in
Spain, on the Scottish island of Arran, in France, Hungary and in several mines
overseas. Perhaps the citrine wouldn't have been talked about any more at all
if, in the middle of the 18th century, it had not been for the discovery that
amethysts and smoky quartzes can also be rendered yellow by so-called burning.
This heat treatment at temperatures of between 470 and 560 degrees has to be
carried out very carefully and requires a great deal of experience. However, in
the course of 200 years, its application has become so much a matter of course
that most of the stones available in the trade today are in fact burnt
amethysts or smoky quartzes. Only a trained specialist can recognize the signs
of heat treatment at all, burnt stones having subtle stripes whilst the yellow
of natural ones is cloudy.
Citrine is
used for the manufacture of jewelry, both mounted in the precious metal setting,
and setting-free, from necklaces and earrings to bracelets. In days gone by, citrine
was carried as a good luck charm, probably because of its sunny appearance. Citrine as a gemstone has been used in Greece
since the Hellenistic period (end of the 4th to the end of the 1st century BC).
The Greeks and Romans used citrine for intaglios and cabochons during the first
and second centuries. The gemstone has a long history of being worn as a
protective amulet and used for medicinal purposes; it is believed to aid
digestion and cleanse toxins from the body. To some, citrine represents
lightheartedness and joy. Thus it is
believed that citrine helps to articulate and express thoughts clearly,
moreover, purifies the thoughts of the passions. It helps to emotionally
unstable people to regain self-confidence, and too vulnerable - to protect
their psyche.
Citrine is
said to heal the heart, kidney, liver and the muscles and is also believed to
symbolize long lasting friendship, energy and joy. Citrine is also said to aid
digestion and regulate the immune system promoting health and well being, lore
and legend also suggests that citrine calms and soothes distressed conditions.
Soldiers in Caesar's legions are said to have worn citrine on the chest during
battle making use of the gemstones life-saving properties, the jewel is also said
to cleanse, purify and eliminate poisons that build up in the body.
Ancient
cultures also believed that placing a citrine gemstone on the forehead of an
elder would increase his psychic power. This lovely yellow jewel is also known
as the lucky merchants' stone and if placed in the cash drawer it will help the
money flow by increasing sales. Citrine is often given as a symbol of hope,
youth, health and fidelity.
Citrine has
found limited application in lithotherapy because essentially it does not cure
specific diseases, but is rather designed to stimulate the functioning of the whole
body. However, citrine is believed to awaken the mind, create clarity and
increase knowledge of the self. Secondary healing traits include general
relaxation, emotional healing and protection against overwhelming fear,
depression, money worries and security.
Citrine is essential for maintaining the health of the digestive,
circulatory and urinary system. Healers also esteem citrine for its powers to
cleanse the body of toxins and regeneration of body tissues.
Citrine is also
said to cure low blood pressure and relieve vascular diseases, enhance memory,
improve the condition of brain vessels, and remove a headache. It is
recommended for reformed drug addicts as it helps to adapt to normal life after
the anti-drug therapy.
Historically,
the most expensive color of Citrine has been the deep vibrant orange shade
called «Madeira» Citrine, named after the wine of the same name, currently this
is out of fashion and the light bright lemony yellow citrine shades are
preferred. Citrine is cheaper than some other gemstones, such as amethyst,
although similar in natural formation. Citrine stones come in many shapes and
sizes, and can be very large.
Citrine is
the official birthstone for the month of November. It is also the planetary
stone for the Sun sign of Virgo and the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th
wedding anniversary.
Citrine
rings are recommended for frequent travelers, especially entrepreneurs, while
citrine pendants and necklaces can be beneficial for public speakers.
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