November – CITRINE
| CHEMICAL COMPOSITION | SiO2 |
|---|---|
| CUBIC CRYSTAL SYSTEM | |
| REFRACTIVE INDEX | 1.544-1.553 (very constant) |
| HARDNESS | |
| SPECIFIC GRAVITY | 2.66 (+.03,-.02) |
| DISPERSION | 0.013 |
| CLEAVAGE | none |
| GIA GRADING |
Additional Information
The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon. One of the more rare forms of quartz, this gemstone ranges in color from the palest yellow to a dark amber named Madeira because of its resemblance to the red wine. Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.
It is believed that some Citrine may have actually begun as Amethyst, but heat from nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz. Citrine is known to change color when subjected to heat and is routinely heated in the jewelry-making process to intensify its color. For this same reason, though, this gemstone should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time because it will permanently alter the color. Most Citrine is mined in Brazil, but other sources of the quartz are Bolivia and Madagascar. A gift of Citrine is symbolic for hope and strength.
Appearance:
Misnomers:topaz, Spanish topaz, Saxon topaz, Madeira topaz, citrine topaz, topaz quartz
Typical Size Range: 1-20 ct. Faceted stones over 1000 ct are known
Typical Cutting Styles: faceted, cabochons, beads, carvings
Cleaning Methods:
References
Gemological Institute of America, GIA Gem Reference Guide 1995, ISBN 0-87311-019-6
GIA. (n.d.). GIA Grading and Reports. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Gemological Institute of America:
http://gia4cs.gia.edu/cm/grading-reports.htm
ICGA. (n.d.). All About Gems. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from International Colored Gemstone Association:
http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=69
IGS. (n.d.). IGS Reference Library. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Internatonal Gem Society:
http://www.gemsociety.org/info/info.htm
It is believed that some Citrine may have actually begun as Amethyst, but heat from nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz. Citrine is known to change color when subjected to heat and is routinely heated in the jewelry-making process to intensify its color. For this same reason, though, this gemstone should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time because it will permanently alter the color. Most Citrine is mined in Brazil, but other sources of the quartz are Bolivia and Madagascar. A gift of Citrine is symbolic for hope and strength.
Appearance:
- Yellow to orange to brownish orange
- Transparent
- Phenomena: none
Misnomers:topaz, Spanish topaz, Saxon topaz, Madeira topaz, citrine topaz, topaz quartz
Typical Size Range: 1-20 ct. Faceted stones over 1000 ct are known
Typical Cutting Styles: faceted, cabochons, beads, carvings
Cleaning Methods:
- Ultrasonic: usually safe
- Steamer: risky
- Warm soapy water: safe
References
Gemological Institute of America, GIA Gem Reference Guide 1995, ISBN 0-87311-019-6
GIA. (n.d.). GIA Grading and Reports. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Gemological Institute of America:
http://gia4cs.gia.edu/cm/grading-reports.htm
ICGA. (n.d.). All About Gems. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from International Colored Gemstone Association:
http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=69
IGS. (n.d.). IGS Reference Library. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Internatonal Gem Society:
http://www.gemsociety.org/info/info.htm
