What is a Citrine?

Citrine is the correct name for all yellow and pale brown varieties of quartz, though it is still occasionally was sold under the name of 'topaz', often with some prefix. Fortunately this once common pernicious practice is now being abandoned. There is, of course, a considerable difference in value between these two stones, though at first sight they may look very similar. Topaz is much rarer and harder, and has a much wider and subtler range of colors.

Citrine is the most common yellow stone available. It comes mainly from various parts of Brazil and from Malagasy but it has a wide distribution. Darker brown stones are sometimes called 'cairngorm' from the Scottish mountains of that name where they were first found. The name 'moron' is sometimes applied to really dark brown stones and also to those that are cloudy and translucent, but the appellation 'smoky quartz' is preferable for the latter.

Most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to change its color to gold, therefore citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, must be kept away from prolonged exposure to heat or strong light. Following this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations