eBay Guides - Comprehensive guide to buying Citrine

Citrine is the yellow or orange version of Quartz. Quartz its self is very common but yellow quartz found in natural is rare. Most Citrines on the market today are actually heat treated Amethyst or Smokey Quartz. These heat-treated gems are a much darker and brighter color then the pale yellow Citrines found in nature. These Citrines produced by artificial means tend to have much more of an orange or reddish caste to them making them more appealing to the buying public.

Gorgeous Madeiran Citrines

Citrine is not Topaz
Sometimes you will hear Citrine referred to as Topaz Quartz, This is incorrect. Citrine is sometimes similar to the color of topaz, but topaz is a totally different mineral then Citrine. However, citrine is considered an alternative to Topaz as the birthstone for November.

Unfortunately for Citrine it is often confused with orange-yellow topaz which is much more expensive. Unscrupulous dealers will sometimes switch the two to make a larger profit. This practice has soured many potential citrine fanciers who see citrine as a fake topaz instead of a legitimate gemstone.

Fancy cut Lemon Citrine 15 carat oval Citrine Laser cut Citrine

The name Citrine is derived from the French word citron - lemon.

Birthstone: Citrine can be used along with topaz are birthstones of Scorpios Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 .

Wedding anniversary: Citrine is the anniversary gemstone for the 17th year of marriage.

One of the most affordable Citrines on the market in is the Lemon Citrine. It has a bright lemon yellow to canary yellow color.

Madeiran Citrines or the most expensive and sought after of all Citrine gems, they have a rich orange to dark orange color often with flashes if red.

What to look for when buying Citrine

Color: Very light yellow or dark orange
Cut: Citrines can be cut or carved into a wide variety of shapes.
Clarity:Gems should be flawless to near flawless, heavily included or flawed gems should be passed by.
Cost: Citrine is vary affordable. Gems as large as 50 carats can be purchased for under $100.00.
Care: Heat treated Citrine will permanently changes color if left in the sunlight for several hours. Citrine jewelry should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or high heat.
Treatment: As stated above most citrine sold today is heated to enhance the color. 100% natural Citrine is available but is only found in very pale colors.
Source: The vast majority of Citrine is mined in Brazil. But can also be found in Madagascar, Spain, Uruguay, Scotland, USA and Russia.

Untreated Citrine Cabochons

Healing Properties
Citrine transmutes negative energies. It is called the "stone of joy" which helps you focus on the positive things in life, and ignore the rest. It increases mental clarity in times of confusion.

Mystical power: Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes. Citrine 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 connect with Spirit. It enhances creativity, and motivates writers.