There is no way you can pass through a citrine without turning back for a second appreciative look- after all, the stone has such captivating appeal. But the point is which type of citrine has caught your attention.
Does citrine have varieties?
Yes, there are several variations of this lovely yellow gemstone in the market that you should be aware of as a savvy consumer before spending your hard-earned money on them.
You should not end your search only on looks and variety- go beyond and evaluate it according to the standards of quality, including cut, carat, clarity, and color. The total cost of your purchase will ultimately be determined based on these factors.
This blog will make you an “I know it all” consumer regarding citrine gemstones. How cool is that? Let’s get started.
Types of Citrine: Your Handbook to Know All
Citrine is well-known in the gemstone industry, and thanks to citrine’s benefits in astrology, it has a devoted following worldwide. However, many customers need to be aware of whether the citrine they purchase is natural or manufactured. You must have this knowledge to get the best bargain in terms of price and gemstone quality.
Natural Citrine
Geothermal heat energy in the earth’s mantle allows natural citrine to form. It is seen that amethyst and smoky quartz in the ground are changed into citrine by the mantle’s heat. You will notice that natural citrine crystals have the same color throughout, i.e., yellow to brownish; however, a tiny color variation is possible.
Natural citrine is often confused with a variety of topaz, but you need to confirm the same from the seller. Natural citrine is rare; therefore commands a higher price than synthetic citrine.
Synthetic Citrine
You might be surprised to learn how hard it is to get genuine citrine. But you will find the gemstone industry filled with this yellow stunner. Well, this is because most dealers sell heat-treated amethyst rather than natural citrine.
Citrine is being created by scientists in a controlled environment in a laboratory. By roasting an amethyst geode or smoky quartz in a kiln, experts could change its color to that of citrine. This procedure, also called “baking” the crystal, imitates how the earth works for natural citrine.
Imitations
Citrine is extremely popular and in high demand; thus, some dealers frequently fake it for unethical monetary gains. Glass serves as a more affordable alternative and a substitute for imitation citrine.
However, a false citrine is considerably simpler to spot.
Given that a genuine Citrine gemstone would not include any bubbles, the glass citrine may contain them.
As we always suggest, be sure where you are buying your gemstones from. The same is the case with citrine. Contact a reliable merchant who can verify your order when buying citrine gemstones. Asking for a certificate of originality while purchasing a synthetic citrine is wise and practical.
Also See: Zodiac Birthstones Chart
Citrine Varieties: More Options to Spoil you
Are you thinking citrine ring for yourself or your loved one? But, know very little about its varieties. Relax; you are reading the right page as this section will acquaint you with all kinds of citrines available in the market.
Yellow Citrine
This kind of citrine shares a striking resemblance in appearance with topaz, and its color is caused by iron, which gives the stone its pale yellow hue. It is also called lemon citrine due to its lemony yellow shade. It should not be confused with lemon quartz, as both stones are different.
Golden Citrine
Citrine is a member of the trigonal gemstone system, a division of the hexagonal system. Furthermore, it has a golden hue brought on by the iron contained in citrine. As a result, compared to other kinds of citrine, its vibrational frequency is slightly different.
Madeira Citrine
This is one of the most sought-after forms of citrine. A large amount of amethyst is used to make Madeira citrine, which has a brownish core and generates a vivid yellow or orange color after heating. To be more specific, Its hues range from an intense pumpkin orange to a deep, dark orangish crimson.
Fire Citrine
It is a distinctive member of the quartz genus. Only the Linha Estefania mine in the Brazilian state produces this unusual orange-red citrine, making it a rare gemstone.
Palmeira Citrine
Palmeira citrine is known to have a distinctive position in the gemstone market thanks to its solid orange hue and astute astrological benefits. Palmeira also has a specific refractive index, which adds to its unique disposition.
Champagne Citrine
It is a unique variety of citrine that earned its name from how transparent and translucent it is, just like a fine champagne glass.
Also See: Trending Gemstones – Most Popular Gems Nowadays
Types of Citrine: The Significance of Cut, Color, Carat, and Clarity (Quality Parameters)
Now, you know which type of citrine you want, but have you evaluated it based on quality parameters, i.e., 4Cs (cut, color, carat, and clarity)?
Need help determining what to see? Okay, keep going.
What Impact Does the Color of Citrine Hold?
Citrine is the most popular yellow-to-orange stone in the gemstones market and is known for its durability and affordability. Orange, yellow, and reddish tones with a lot of saturation are the most expensive shades of citrine. The cheapest citrine gemstones are typically those with pale or smoky tones.
Due to the rarity of natural citrine, most of the citrine sold today is the product of heat treatment, transforming some amethyst from an unattractive pale violet to a beautiful yellow.
In most cases, the richness of the citrine’s yellow color depends on the amethyst’s original color.
How Does Clarity Impact Citrine?
As a Type 2 gemstone, citrine is frequently discovered with few imperfections. The majority of citrine is eye clean or devoid of detectable inclusions.
Since flawless citrines are not hard to come by, there is minimal need to purchase stones with apparent inclusions.
Different Types of Citrine as Per Cut
Citrine is a gem that comes in all kinds of regular sizes and shapes.
Citrine may be cut into almost any form for any fitting because it is a relatively hard gemstone, as it rates on the Mohs hardness scale. This stone is an excellent test subject if you want to try various gemstone cutting.
It has been seen that recently several upscale jewelry designers and gemstone carvers have fashioned the crystal into unique designs to maximize its allure and demand in the market.
Citrine Varieties Based on Carat Weight
The carat weight of a citrine has little effect on the price. Citrine crystals come in various sizes, and 20-carat citrines are common in jewelry. They are an excellent option for daring jewelry designs because of this feature.
Also See: Value of Gemstones in Order
Types of Citrine: As per the Grading System
Based on quality, as mentioned above, citrine can be further classified per the following levels of quality.
Heirloom AAAA (Natural AAAA): This group includes the top one percent of really uncommon citrines. These citrines exhibit the eye-clean feature, which implies they don’t have any apparent inclusions. Citrines of heirloom grade stand out from the crowd with their characteristic rich golden color.
Best AAA (Natural AAA): This category holds the top 10% of citrines. These lovely jewels exhibit a brilliant golden tone and are mostly eye-clean.
Better AA (Natural AA): This comprises the best 33% of the accessible citrines based on quality. They feature little inclusions and are yellow in hue.
Good A (Natural A): This category has the top 75% of citrines that are bright yellow and contain minimal to moderate inclusions.
How Do You Like Different Types of Citrine?
Yellow gemstone’s meaning gets an entirely new dimension as citrine is part of the gang. Citrine gemstone reminds some of the rich fall foliage, some of the saffron, and some setting sun or pale sun. It entirely depends on how you perceive this beautiful gemstone. However, being close to the exact emotion depends on what type of citrine you desire, and this guide will help you understand the same.
Is this blog interesting? Read how to take care of citrine bracelets and how to clean citrine bracelets for some more knowledgeable and exciting stuff.
FAQs
The most precious citrine gemstones are those with intensely vivid yellow, orange, and reddish tones. One of the most expensive varieties of citrine is Madeira, which exhibits a very rich red-brown to red-orange hue. Madeira citrine boasts excellent clarity and no eye-visible inclusions.
That would be a round cut. Citrine isn’t the most brilliant gemstone in terms of a refractive index score, which falls somewhere in the middle. Therefore, picking a cut that will enhance its luster is crucial.
Make sure that if you intend to buy a citrine, then you get a citrine only, as topaz is the more precious and expensive of the two stones. Though the stones share the same color family, they are not the same.
