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Named from the French name for
lemon, "citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.
In ancient times, citrine was carried as a
protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine symbolizes
light-heartedness, joy, happiness, wisdom and peace, and is said to enhance
creativity and motivate writers. 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.
Citrine is any quartz
crystal or cluster that is yellow or orange in color. Although, often cut as
a gemstone, citrine is actually somewhat rare in nature. Most citrines on
the market have been heat-treated. Citrines whose colors have been produced
by artificial means tend to have much more of an orange or reddish caste
than those found in nature, which are usually a pale yellow. Much of the
natural citrine may have started out as amethyst but heat from nearby magma
tic (volcanic) bodies may have caused the change to citrine. Interestingly,
a popular gemstone on the market is a mixture of half amethyst and half
citrine and is given the name amatrine.
Sometimes you will hear citrine
referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the
past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of
topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing
and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to
topaz as the birthstone for November.
Sunny and affordable, Citrine looks perfect
when paired with glistening yellow gold. Traditionally, Citrine is given on
the 11th and 17th year wedding anniversaries. As with
any quartz, it should be kept away from prolonged exposure to the sun or
strong heat.
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