Natural Citrine: Complete Guide for Trade, Jewelry, and Collections
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about natural citrine, for trade partners, jewelers, and collectors alike.
Overview
Natural citrine, a variety of quartz, is known for its cheerful colors that range from pale yellow to deep amber. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Citrine is durable and ideal for various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Often referred to as the "Merchant's Stone," citrine is believed to bring prosperity and success, making it a popular choice in the metaphysical community. Its affordability and unique charm make citrine a popular choice. Understanding its characteristics, sources, and market dynamics is essential for anyone involved in its trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (silicon dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Refractive Index: 1.54 - 1.55
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Pleochroism: Absent
Fluorescence: Generally inert
Cleavage/Fracture: Conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
Primary hues: Yellow, golden yellow
Secondary modifications: Brownish-yellow, amber
Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
Premium colors: Deep golden yellow
Commercial grades: Light yellow to medium yellow shades
Clarity Characteristics
Typical inclusion types: Liquid inclusions, gas bubbles
Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
Spain, France, and Brazil
Current production
Significant production is currently from Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
Source-specific characteristics
Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
Increasing demand for citrine has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.