Definition
Mohs scale hardness 7 and less
Citrine is a kind of quartz that has a submicroscopic dispersion of colloidal ferric hydroxide impurities, which give it colors ranging from light yellow to brown. The majority of marketed citrines are heat-treated amethysts or smokey quartzes; natural citrines are extremely rare. The crystal of a heat-treated amethyst will, however, have tiny lines rather than the hazy or smoky look of a natural citrine. Cut citrine and yellow topaz are quite difficult to distinguish aesthetically, however they have varying hardness levels.
Yellow sapphire Vs Citrine
Yellow sapphire is the yellow stone that resembles citrine the most. With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphire is more durable and considerably harder than citrine. Yet, yellow sapphire is also more valuable and rarer than citrine. Thousands of dollars per carat might be spent on fine huge specimens.
Varieties of Citrine
Golden Citrine
its variety of golden and yellow tones, as well as its rich amber tone. Its hues evoke warmth and delight since they are like the sun's rays and remind us of the sun. Golden citrine's rich hues and clarity make it a great option for faceted gemstones that reflect and refract light to produce lovely glitter. Citrine is a clear and brilliant gemstone because it does not have impurities that reduce clarity like other gemstones do.
Lemon Quartz
Citrine that ranges in color from light to dark yellow is known as Lemon Quartz. It differs from other Citrine since it doesn't have any orange, brown, or reddish undertones. But more frequently, irradiation clear quartz is used to create highly colored yellow gemstones. The gemstone market has seen a significant rise in favor for lemon quartz.
Madeira Citrine
The word "Madeira" is a Brazilian noun that means "wood" or "wood colored." The majority of madeira citrine is created by heating brownish-cored amethyst to get the warm yellow or orange tint. The state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar are the main sources.
Palmeira Citrine
The citrine variation known as Palmeira Citrine is distinguished by its intense orange hue and is linked to astrological ideals. It has a specific refractive index in addition to physical characteristics, both of which contribute to Palmeira's distinctive position in the citrine market.
Yellow Citrine
It's vital to remember that citrines are incredibly rare in their native forms. As a result, they are hardly available. Having said that, amethysts and smoky quartz crystals can be heated to generate citrines. Today's market has many of these treated citrines available.
Origins
The state of Rio Grande do Sul contributes significantly to Brazil's production of citrine, which is the world's largest producer. Brazil is the source of the majority of the citrine found today. Bolivia has also emerged as a major producer, The nation also creates ametrine, a rare bicolor quartz that is composed of amethyst and citrine. Some African nations, notably Tanzania, Namibia, and Zambia, also mine citrine.