Citrine
Sources: Brazil, Bolivia
Hardness on Mohs scale: 7
Common Enhancements: Heat
Birthstone: February
Cleaning Methods:
- Ultrasonic: usually safe
- Steamer: not recommended
- Warm soapy water: safe
Citrine is a variety of the mineral Quartz, transparent, yellow to orange to brownish orange. Named from the French word for lemon, citrine open and pleasant color blend particularly well with yellow polished gold, paired with other gems in pink hues. It is a curiosity that amethyst materials are routinely heated in order to produce citrines, and green quartz, commonly known as “lemon citrine” or “green amethyst. This process is undetectable and commonly accepted in the Trade. Today, citrine is well known gem by the general public but frequently confused with topaz.