Citrine: Meaning, Symbolic Properties, Natural or Heated?

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Citrine is a yellow to orange quartz with a hardness of 7. Rare in its natural state, it is often amethyst that has been heated; in tradition it is associated with joy and abundance.

Key points

Colour	pale yellow to orange or orange-brown, transparent
Mineral family	quartz (silica)
Simplified composition	silicon dioxide (SiO2), colour due to traces of iron
Mohs hardness	7
Origin of the name	Latin citrus, the lemon
Deposits	Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Bohemia, Saxony, Austria, United States
Common treatment	heating of amethyst, a widespread and long-standing practice
Traditional correspondence	solar plexus chakra; Fire element; Gemini, Leo, depending on the authors
Care	lukewarm water and mild soap; moderate sunlight

What is citrine?

Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz. Chemically, it is silica (silicon dioxide), exactly like rock crystal, but coloured by minute amounts of iron. It crystallises in the trigonal system and, like all quartz, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale: it scratches glass and withstands everyday life.

Its name comes from the Latin citrus, which referred to the citron tree and its fruit, in reference to its colour. The mineralogist René-Just Haüy spoke of "yellow hyaline quartz". It is found in several regions: Brazil (Minas Gerais), Madagascar, Spain (the province of Salamanca), the Czech Republic (Bohemia), Saxony, Austria and the United States (California).

An important point from the outset: natural citrine is quite rare. The great majority of stones sold under this name are amethyst (sometimes smoky quartz) heated to a high temperature, which turns it yellow to orange.

History and vocabulary

Yellow quartz has been used in jewellery for a long time. Because its hue resembles that of yellow topaz, it was long confused with it, and misleading names have persisted in the trade: "Madeira topaz", "Spanish topaz", "Bohemian topaz" or "topaz quartz". These names designate quartz, not topaz, and the International Confederation of Jewellery (CIBJO) forbids their use.

Today, citrine is a widely available semi-precious stone, valued for its warm colour and moderate price.

Traditional symbolism

The symbolism below is a legacy of popular beliefs and modern lithotherapy, with no scientific evidence.

Its sunshine-and-lemon colour links it to joy, optimism and light.
It is sometimes nicknamed the "merchant's stone" or stone of abundance, a recent idea linked to prosperity and business. It is credited with bringing luck, but this is a modern tradition, not a promise of results.
It is also linked to self-confidence and motivation, as a symbol to keep near one's desk.

Traditional correspondences

Domain	Common association	Note
Chakra	Solar plexus (third chakra)	Through its yellow colour
Element	Fire (sometimes Air)	Authors differ
Signs	Gemini, Leo, Libra	Depending on the lists
Month	November	Together with topaz, the birthstone of November in the modern list

These tables are conventions: consult several before deciding that an association suits you.

How to use it

As jewellery: ring, pendant, earrings; its hardness of 7 suits daily wear. See the guide to stone jewellery.
On a desk: a point or a small cluster as a decorative object and a symbol of motivation.
In a pocket: a tumbled stone to hold when preparing for an interview or a project.
As a gift: for a new job, a birth, a November birthday.

Care and cleansing

Water: lukewarm water and mild soap, then a soft cloth. The stone does not mind brief immersion.
Sun: natural citrine is stable, but a stone derived from heated amethyst may, depending on the piece, fade if it stays in full sun for a very long time. Avoid prolonged exposure.
Knocks: despite its hardness, a sharp blow can chip a point or an edge.
Symbolic cleansing: smoke, a bowl of stones, a night of full moon. See the guide to cleansing and recharging your stones.

Natural or heated citrine: how to tell?

Heating is an ancient and very widespread treatment: amethyst is heated until it turns yellow. It is not a fraud if the seller states it. Some clues to help you tell:

Natural citrine: pale yellow, lemon or honey, a soft colour that is fairly unsaturated.
Heated citrine: intense orange, reddish-brown or "caramel"; the colour is often more intense towards the base of a cluster, and there may remain violet or white zones.
Very orange clusters and points: if the hue is perfectly uniform and the crystal almost free of inclusions, it is probably heated amethyst, or even dyed quartz.
False names: beware of "citrine topaz" or "Madeira topaz".
Glass: imitations in yellow glass show round bubbles and feel warmer to the touch.

Always ask whether the stone is natural or heated: see our guide to choosing and caring for your stones.

How to choose your citrine

Choose a shade you like: pale yellow, honey or dark orange. Pale natural tones are rarer; intense oranges are almost always heated.
A large, very clear crystal of beautiful colour can be expensive; a very low price is consistent with a heated stone.
For symbolic abundance, some people place it with golden quartz; for a "sun and moon" pairing, with amethyst-citrine (ametrine); for a warm and soothing blend, with amethyst.

Frequently asked questions

Is citrine a natural stone?

Yes, it exists in its natural state, but it is rare. Almost all citrine on the market is heated amethyst: this is a common practice that should simply be disclosed.

What is the difference between citrine and topaz?

Citrine is a quartz (hardness 7); topaz is a different mineral, harder (8) and denser. The names "Madeira topaz" or "Spanish topaz" in fact designate citrine, and their use is discouraged.

Does citrine fade in the sun?

Natural citrine is stable. A stone derived from heated amethyst may fade over time if it is heavily exposed; avoid prolonged full sun.

Can citrine be washed in water?

Yes: lukewarm water, mild soap, then dry. Avoid hot water and household cleaners.

Does citrine attract money?

This is a modern belief: it is called the "merchant's stone". No effect has been demonstrated; citrine remains a symbol and a lovely piece of jewellery.