# Citrine

> Citrine is a yellow to orange quartz (7 on Mohs), affordable and durable; nearly all on the market come from heated amethyst.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/citrine/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-26
- Updated: 2026-06-26
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/citrino/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz. Its warm color recalls topaz, but it is far cheaper. Natural citrine is rare: nearly all that is sold is heated amethyst.

## Properties

- **Composition:** silicon dioxide (quartz) with iron.
- **Hardness:** 7 on the Mohs scale.
- **Color:** pale yellow to honey orange; Madeira is reddish.
- **Origins:** Brazil, Bolivia, Madagascar and Spain.
- **Treatments:** almost always heated amethyst or smoky quartz.

## Uses in jewelry

- Affordable rings, pendants and earrings.
- Alternative November birthstone to topaz.
- Cabochons and large cuts.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Durable and inexpensive.
- Warm, luminous color.
- Cut in large sizes.

### Limitations

- Color can fade with extreme heat.
- Mistaken for topaz or glass.
- Natural stones are rare and costly.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Avoid intense heat and prolonged sunlight.
- Tolerates ultrasonic if it has no fractures.

## See also

- [Gemstones in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstones-in-jewelry/)
- [Quartz and its varieties](https://www.711grados.com/en/quartz/)
- [Topaz](https://www.711grados.com/en/topaz/)