About Yellow Crystal Citrine

Citrine is a type of quartz, which is transparent, light yellow to brownish orange, and is rare in nature. Before modern gemology was established, its yellowish-brown color made it confused with topaz. Citrine's attractive color, robustness, and economy (the same as most other quartz) make it the best-selling yellow to orange gemstone and an attractive alternative to topaz or even yellow sapphire. The best color of citrine is saturated yellow to reddish orange, and does not contain brown tones.

Since natural citrines are rare, most citrines on the market are made by heat treatment. The heat treatment causes the color of some amethysts to change from undesirable lavender to attractive yellow. The original hue of the amethyst can determine the richness of the yellow citrine formed.

Citrine crystals come in various sizes, and citrines weighing up to 20 carats are also found in jewelry. Although citrine can be made into standard shapes and sizes, many high-end jewelry designers and gem sculptors make this warm yellow gemstone into an extraordinary cut pattern for making jewelry or carving.