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Citrine, a transparent quartz with golden yellow hues, derives its name from the Latin "Citrus", evoking the color of a lemon. Its characteristic shade arises from a low concentration of iron oxide.
The term "citrine" emerges in 1556, credited to Georg Bauer, a German. Previously, it answered to various names, including yellow quartz.
Citrine is relatively rare in nature, and numerous imitations abound. Frequently, amethyst crystals are heated to transform their violet hue into a golden yellow. Distinguishing between them can be challenging, as amethyst retains a higher color intensity, ranging from amber-orange tones rather than pale yellow.
Citrine also conceals itself under aliases such as yellow hyaline quartz, Bohemian topaz, topaz quartz, Bahia topaz, Palmyra topaz, Salamanque topaz, Spanish topaz, golden topaz, safranite, Cairngorm, or Madeira topaz. A multi-faceted gem, carrying within it a rich history and diverse appellations.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages, citrine was often mistakenly confused with topaz and used as such. This confusion led to the creation of numerous pieces adorned with this false topaz due to the cost difference between the two stones, thereby closely intertwining the history of these two gems.
The Egyptians attributed significant associations to citrine, linking it to the warrior goddess Sekhmet, often depicted as a lion-headed woman symbolizing power and protection.
As early as 300 BCE, citrine was recognized as a semi-precious stone in ancient Greece. The Greeks associated it with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and harvest, emphasizing its connection to fertility and prosperity.
Some identify citrine as the 12th stone in Aaron’s breastplate, designated in Exodus as Chrysolitus or the "golden stone". Interpretations differ on whether this gem is citrine, topaz, or beryl. While recent biblical interpretations lean towards topaz, the mystery surrounding this 12th stone persists, adding a fascinating dimension to the history of citrine.
In the 19th century, citrine experienced a dazzling popularity, especially during the Art Deco period that spanned between the two World Wars. It gracefully adorned the jewelry of numerous prominent Hollywood celebrities, including legendary icons like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford, adding a sunny radiance to the glamour of the red carpet.
This precious gem unveils its astrological charm as the birthstone associated with the month of November, sharing the spotlight with topaz. Its warm radiance and connection to the eleventh month make it a meaningful choice for those born during this period.
Beyond its association with birth, citrine holds a romantic significance as the anniversary stone for the 13th year of marriage. Celebrating this milestone with citrine not only symbolizes the longevity of love but also represents the brightness and vitality that this gem brings to marital life.
Thus, citrine weaves itself into a rich narrative, infused with Hollywood glamour and profound meanings, making it a cherished gem in many aspects.
Mines: Germany, Austria, Madagascar, Brazil, Russia, USA, and Spain.
Citrine, far beyond being a mere ornamental stone, delves into the realm of lithotherapy, offering a wide array of health benefits.
Thus, citrine proves to be much more than an aesthetic stone, bringing a therapeutic dimension to those who recognize its beneficial powers.
⚠ Please note that all healing properties presented for gemstones are gathered from various sources. This information is provided as a service and is not intended to treat medical conditions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for serious medical issues and not to rely solely on gemstones as a treatment.