Citrine Jewelry: Catch That Autumn Glow

Also known as Gold Topaz, Madeira or Spanish topaz, the Citrine is a very beautiful gem often set in fashion necklaces and bracelets. It is less precious than the topaz though shares some tonal nuances. But tone is not the only commonality found here: both gems are alleged to have miraculous powers.

The citrine is a member of the larger quartz family. It is named such because of its color resembling citrus fruit. The most sought-after specimens are a clear, radiant yellowish or brownish red.
Like all crystal quartzes, the citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Scale and is thus quite insensitive to scratches.
Its non-existent cleavage properties make it even more rugged and durable. Even if their refractive index is low, the yellow stones have that mellow, warm tone which so lovingly captures the final glow of autumn.
Citrine jewelry, like a Gold Citrine Necklace, brings a hint of shimmering sunshine to dull November days like golden Rhine wine or sparkling Madeira – it IS the November gem.

There are not many gemstones which are yellow. A diamond or a sapphire may be yellowish and if so all the less expensive. Rare though it may be, yellow does in fact occur in quartz in Nature, when there are traces of iron in the silicon dioxide. It has been found in Spain, on the Scottish island of Arran, in France, Hungary and in several mines throughout the world.
So what constitutes the difference between the real topaz and the citrine? The answer is a fluorine aluminum silicate in chemical terms, the topaz is harder and heavier than quartz, and it has a higher refractive index, which endows it with more fire when the color is right. Its' one weakness is its good cleavage qualities, which must be taken into account when it's being worked on. It can be found in all the colors of the rainbow and has been known to Man and Civilization for at least 2000 years. It has yet to be proved whether the name comes from Sanskrit or Greek, but the Greek name 'topazos' means 'green gemstone'. The Romans dedicated the topaz to Jupiter.

In mysticism, the topaz and citrine are attributed with a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect. they are said to dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears, to warn their wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death. It is reputed to make men handsome and smart and sterile women fertile and happy.