Citrine is a variety of quartz and comes in a variety of yellow colours and may have brown, orange and reddish hues. It is also one of November’s birthstones.

Most citrine quartz that is available today is actually heat-treated amethyst quartz, and primarily comes from Brazil. The stones are treated to create the popular darker, orange and reddish colours.

Natural citrine quartz is very rare and can be found in Russia, Madagascar and France, and typically comes in lighter yellow to orange colours and will not have any red tint.

Citrine jewellery from Victorian England, as shown below, showcases its prominence in fine jewellery from earlier centuries. In ancient times, the gem was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Today it is associated with success and prosperity.

Learn more about other gemstones and jewellery.