Citrine - Gem of Optimism and Renewal

Citrine, the warm and sensuous color of the sunset, is the birthstone for the month of November. Because its color ranges from yellow, to gold to orange brown, Citrine is derived from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon. This colorful, transparent gemstone is considered a harmonious, optimistic, and cheerful stone with the ability to brighten up our hearts’ darkest places.

In the olden days, Citrine was worn for protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. The ancients believed that Citrine restored balance in the psyche by uniting the psychological, emotional, and intuitive senses. It was said to provide solutions to problems at a higher level. Citrine was recommended to men and women who feel that they lost their sense of self in relationships, work, and life. Furthermore, Citrine was believed to ward off and dissolve negative energy and to raise individual’s self esteem.

However, it was during the Romantic Period (1837-1860), that Citrine started gaining its modern-day popularity. Today, Citrine is known as a joyous stone symbolizing festivity and renewal. It stimulates communication and supplies its wearer with energy that it reflects from the yellow rays of the sun.

Also called the “Merchant’s Stone”, Citrine is said to bring good luck and to ensure prosperity and accumulation of wealth. It is no wonder that some actually place a Citrine into their cash register, hoping for increased cash flows.

Sunny and affordable, Citrine looks perfect when set in glistening yellow gold mounting. Traditionally, Citrine is given on the 11^th and 17^th year wedding anniversaries. This gem never needs cleaning, but should be kept away from prolonged exposure to the sun or strong heat.

Citrine is readily available in large quantities throughout the world, since it is a form of Quartz which makes up the majority of the Earth’s crust. Most of Citrine is mined in Brazil, especially in the Serra mine of Rio Grande do Sul. Other sources comprise of France, Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, and Russia. Deposits in the United States include North Carolina, California, and Colorado.