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 have positioned Citrine as a sought-after gemstone in the market. 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.