Colors
- Light yellow to warm golden orange
Browse other gems by color: Yellow · Orange
Where Citrine comes from
- Brazil (largest supplier)
- Spain
- Bolivia
- France
- Russia
- Madagascar
- Colorado, North Carolina and California (US)
Citrine meaning and history
The name: From the citron fruit, for its lemony color.
Citrine looks so much like yellow topaz that the two November stones have long been confused.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Citrine?
Citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: good. Suitable for all jewelry, including rings.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Citrine
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones |
| Steam cleaner | Not recommended (avoid heat) |
Heat, light and chemicals: Abrupt temperature changes can cause fractures; some color can fade in intense light; damaged by hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride and alkaline solutions.
Can you wear Citrine every day?
Good for everyday wear Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Check other stones.
Compare Citrine
Frequently asked questions
What is Citrine?
Yellow to golden orange quartz, colored by traces of iron. Most citrine sold is heat treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
What month is Citrine the birthstone for?
November. It shares the month with Topaz.
How hard is Citrine?
7 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: good. Suitable for all jewelry, including rings.
How do you clean Citrine?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones. Steam: not recommended (avoid heat).
What does Citrine symbolize?
Citrine looks so much like yellow topaz that the two November stones have long been confused. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Sources
- GIA: Citrine care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: Citrine (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.