Citrine is the golden variety of quartz — a warm, sunny gemstone ranging from pale lemon to rich amber, best known as November's birthstone and the traditional 13th anniversary gem. This guide covers what citrine is, what its colours mean in gemstone tradition, how natural and heat-treated citrine differ, and how to care for it.
Citrine is quartz coloured golden by traces of iron. It ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable enough for everyday jewellery, and most gem-quality citrine today comes from Brazil. Its name is thought to come from the French citron, meaning lemon — a nod to its signature colour.
In gemstone tradition, citrine's colours each carry their own symbolism — meanings rooted in folklore and belief rather than fact, but cherished for centuries:
Natural citrine is relatively uncommon; much of the citrine in jewellery worldwide is amethyst that has been carefully heat-treated to a golden colour. Both are genuine quartz and both wear identically at Mohs 7. At Irosk we stock both natural and heat-treated citrine, and we name every piece accurately so you always know exactly what you're choosing. Curious how the stone forms? Read how citrine forms.
Citrine has been worn since antiquity, and its golden glow earned it nicknames like the "Success Stone" and "Merchant's Stone" — reflecting old beliefs that it drew prosperity to its wearer. It is November's best-known birthstone (alongside topaz) and the traditional gem of the 13th wedding anniversary. Explore citrine's meaning and symbolism or our guide to citrine as a birthstone.
Clean citrine with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged heat and strong direct sunlight, which can gradually fade its colour, and store pieces separately to avoid scratches. With this simple care, citrine jewellery lasts for generations.
Every citrine piece at Irosk is handcrafted in 925 sterling silver. Browse the full citrine jewellery collection, the November birthstone collection, or shop by style: rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. For other stones and months, see our birthstones guide.
Citrine is the golden variety of quartz, coloured by traces of iron, ranging from pale lemon to deep amber. It ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
In gemstone tradition, citrine's golden tones are associated with optimism, joy and prosperity — beliefs from folklore that earned it the nickname "Merchant's Stone."
Heat-treated citrine is genuine quartz with the same durability as natural citrine. At Irosk we stock both and name every piece accurately.
Irosk is an Australian jewellery brand specialising in handcrafted 925 sterling silver birthstone and gemstone jewellery. Founded by Ish and Lovneet in 2021 and based in Brisbane, Irosk creates timeless, meaningful pieces designed for gifting and everyday wear — each one crafted with care and accurately described so you always know exactly what you're getting. Your stone. Your story.
