Impression of the raw stone

“The greatest wealth is not what you possess, but what you radiate.”

Citrine is a stone for the optimist, the dreamer who believes in the power of a positive outlook. For those who wish to embrace warmth and joy, and see the light even on a grey day.

With its sunny, golden-yellow to honey-coloured glow, Citrine radiates an unmistakable warmth. This quartz variety has traditionally been associated with prosperity, success, and joie de vivre, and is also known as the 'sun stone'.

The colour intensity can vary from subtle pale yellow to deep orange-brown, often with a clear, glassy lustre. Sometimes the stone contains small inclusions or internal fracture lines that catch the light in a unique way.

Why people choose Citrine

• Traditionally associated with joy, optimism, and prosperity
• A stone that symbolises the manifestation of goals and the embracing of success
• Bright, sunny appearance with shades from golden-yellow to deep honey-coloured
• A quartz variety that often owes its colour to the presence of iron
• Also known as the 'Merchant's Stone', a historical nickname referring to its association with prosperity

The Stone

• Traditional Associations: Joy • Prosperity • Optimism
• Origin: Brazil • Madagascar • Spain
• Zodiac Sign: Leo

History

The name 'Citrine' is derived from the French word 'citron', meaning lemon, a clear reference to its yellow colour. The stone was already cherished in antiquity; the Greeks and Romans used Citrine for jewellery and intaglios. In the 17th century, the stone became popular among Scottish armourers who used it in the handles of daggers.

In contemporary symbolism, Citrine is associated with abundance and positivity. An important fact is that much commercial Citrine is actually heat-treated Amethyst. During this process, the purple colour changes to yellow due to the heat. Natural Citrine is rarer and often has a lighter, more smoky-yellow hue. Nevertheless, both variants share the same chemical composition.

Astrology & Moon

In astrology, Citrine is often linked to the zodiac sign Leo. This fire sign, ruled by the sun, is known for its charisma, creativity, and warm, generous nature. Citrine's sunny appearance and its symbolism of joy and self-expression align seamlessly with this.

Symbolically, Citrine's golden glow is seen as a manifestation of the sun's power. Within this context, the stone is associated with enlightening the mind, stimulating creativity, and cultivating a positive outlook on life. It is regarded as a symbol of personal strength and the ability to transform dreams into reality.

Within Chakra Teachings

Within Chakra teachings, Citrine is often associated with the third chakra: Manipura, also known as the solar plexus chakra. This energy centre, located above the navel, is regarded in Eastern traditions as the core of personal power, willpower, and self-confidence.

As a symbol for optimism and assertiveness, Citrine is linked to this chakra within these teachings. In that tradition, the solar plexus symbolises the inner 'sun' or fire believed to be necessary for setting goals and standing confidently in the world.

Interesting Facts

• The majority of Citrine on the market is not natural Citrine, but Amethyst that has been heated to high temperatures. This process changes the purple colour to yellow or orange-red.
• A rare, natural combination of Amethyst and Citrine in a single crystal is called 'Ametrine', and displays both purple and yellow colour zones.
• The historical nickname 'Merchant's Stone' stems from the ancient belief that the stone would attract prosperity, leading merchants to keep it in their cash registers or pouches.
• Natural Citrine is quite rare. The largest mining areas for both natural and heat-treated Citrine (Amethyst) are located in Brazil.

Care

Citrine is a quartz variety and has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard and durable stone that is quite resistant to scratches and suitable for daily wear. Nevertheless, it is advisable to remove the bracelet during strenuous physical activities to prevent knocks and breakage.

The stone can withstand water, but it is better to remove the bracelet when showering or swimming to ensure the longevity of the elastic. It is important to note that Citrine's colour may fade with prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. Therefore, do not store the bracelet in direct sunlight when you are not wearing it.

To maintain the stone's lustre, you can wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils and dust. Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals, perfume, and cosmetics, as these may damage the stone in the long term.

Beautiful in combination with

Amethyst · Smoky Quartz

Honesty about meaning: the properties on this page describe what this stone has traditionally symbolised and with what it is associated within traditions and astrology. Mad Monk Jewellery makes no claims: we do not promise that a stone has a specific effect or power, or that it will bring about anything for you. What we do promise: a natural gemstone, carefully selected and hand-finished.

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