Citrine is not naturally found in large quantities, so many of these stones are Amethyst or Smokey Quartz that have been heated. Sometimes Citrine and Amethyst will grow together in the same crystal, when these are cut it produces stones that are half purple and half yellow which are called Ametrine.
One of few British gems, they have been found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland (where they are referred to simply as Cairngorms) and were frequently used in Scottish jewellery in the 19th Century when the stone
was made popular by Queen Victoria.
Long before that however they were believed to provide protection against the plague, skin problems, snake bites, and evil thoughts. So who wouldn’t want one of these!
Description: Citrine is the yellow variety of the Quartz family, it ranges from palest lemon through to a rich golden orange. Brazil is the most prolific supplier of these sunny gems.
Hardness: 7 on Mohs Scale
Birthstone: November