Citrine is the yellow to orange-red variety of crystalline quartz. Due to its abundance, it was long relegated to a lower classification, but in recent decades, this perception has changed, due in part to trends that emphasize earthy tones.
Price
At the top of the scale, you will find specimens in the most saturated shades of yellow, orange and red. Those with less intense colors appear in lower value ranges, with uncolored or smoked stones. As with any gem, custom cut increases value and inclusions decrease. There is no exponential increase in value per carat with increasing size, as larger sizes are readily available.
Comments
Mining produces very little citrine. Much of the citrine found on the market is produced by heating smoky quartz (which produces light to medium yellow tones) and amethyst (which produces saturated yellows and orange-red to orange-brown tones). Natural stones tend to be pale yellow, often with smoky undertones. Citruses range from a lighter, lemon-yellow tone to “Madeira”, a well-saturated orange with red highlights.
The yellow tones of citrine are due to the presence of iron.
Citrine is a stone for fine jewelry. With no cleavage, hardness 7, stable colors under light and no need for special care, it can be used on any jewelry. Like most quartz, it is available in a variety of sizes. Thus, stonecutters can easily use this gem in the most varied cuts, making it a great option for an engagement ring.
Synthetics
Citrus fruits can be grown hydrothermally in laboratories. Although natural quartz is common and inexpensive, synthetic quartz can be manufactured in sufficient quantities and at a lower cost, making the practice economically viable.
Improvements
Transforming smoky quartz and amethyst into citrine via heat treatment is usually done directly in the mine. Colorless quartz stones are also irradiated and heated to produce “lemon quartz”, stones with a neon yellow, slightly greenish color.
Heat treatment of citrus fruits with the appropriate iron content creates the highly prized “Madeira” color.
Sources
Virtually all natural citrus fruits come from Brazil. Other notable sources include Bolivia, Madagascar, Myanmar and Zambia.
Care
Citrus fruits make jewelry stones that are durable but require little care. However, heat-treated stones can fade when exposed to heat. Clean with warm water, neutral detergent and a soft brush.
This article is a translation of the original Citrine Value, Price and Jewelry Information.
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