![]() Scholars also trace its name back to the Sanskrit word tapaz, meaning "fire".īrazil is the principal source of gem-quality topaz, with the region Minas Gerais producing large yellow to orange crystals. Topaz has been known as a gemstone for at least 2,000 years and is believed to take its name from the island the Ancient Greeks knew as Topazios – modern day Zabargad. Often, specimens that fall within this colour range are called 'precious topaz' to distinguish them from less-expensive citrine. However, sherry topaz – named after the variety of wine – is perhaps the best-known and most traditional topaz colour, ranging from yellowish brown to orange. ![]() Topaz is allochromatic, meaning it derives colour from impurities and defects in its crystal structure this explains the vast array of topaz hues. Yellow topaz is often confused with citrine due to its similar colour Like citrine, topaz is the birthstone of November. Indeed, citrine is the modern birthstone for November and also the stone for the 13th year of marriage. The gemstone’s durability makes it a suitable keepsake. It will also withstand a few knocks, too, since its cleavage properties are non-existent. Like all crystal quartzes, citrine has a hardness of 7 on Mohs’ scale and is largely insensitive to scratches. The sunny gemstone’s beautiful colours can brighten almost any jewellery style, although it goes particularly well with yellow gold.Īn inexpensive gem, citrine is the perfect stone for popular free-form fancy cuts for unique and custommade pieces. Today, citrine is widely used in many jewellery styles. The first occurrences seem to be the use of citrine by Romans for intaglio and cabochon in the centuries immediately following the birth of Christ.Ĭitrine saw increased use as a gemstone in jewellery during the Romantic Age (1837-1860). There are few references in history to citrine, perhaps because of the stone's rarity Legend says it acts as an energising stone against issues of willpower, optimism, confidence and self discipline. In this shade, citrine is often confused with orange topaz. Indeed, the name citrine is derived from the French word citrin, meaning lemon-coloured. Traditionally the darker shades have held more value but recently consumer preference leans towards brighter lemony hues. Other deposits include Madagascar, the US, Spain and Africa. The best specimens of natural citrine come from Brazil, mined in Rio Grande do Sul. ![]() Heat-treated citrine is readily available, very affordable and extremely durable. This heat treatment – involving temperatures up to 560 degrees – helps replicate the yellow, gold and amber shades of natural citrine and is clearly recognisable to a trained professional by the subtle stripes that the process leaves on the gemstone. The majority of citrine on the market, however, is actually heat-treated purple amethyst. It ranges in colour from a shade of light gold through to a fiery reddened-yellow and owes its hue to traces of ferric iron. ![]() It occurs when amethyst formations are close to natural heat sources in the Earth's crust. Natural citrine is the most valuable form of quartz, and extremely rare. What could they be?įirst in affordability and popularity is the quartz family – from the delicate pastel tones of ‘lemon quartz’ to the vibrant, vivid orange hues of citrine and all shades in-between.Ĭitrine is commonly confused with a similarly-coloured but more expensive topaz. Jeweller explores the captivating hues of orange and yellow gemstones, from the rich gold of topaz to mandarin garnet, fresh citrine, and smouldering fire opal.īrilliant transparent gemstones in warm tropical tones of pale lemon, rich gold, delicate apricot or vivid saffron can be challenging to identify. ![]()
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