Citrine

Citrine is a variety of silica mineral quartz that comes in a range of yellow hues. As the second most common mineral in the Earth’s crust, quartz varieties are everywhere. Other quartz stones include amethyst, bloodstone, and aventurine, to name a few.

If you were born in November, say hello to your birthstone citrine! The warm yellows and oranges of this stone perfectly match this time of year. As the turning point between autumn and winter, November balances both seasons.

Did someone say balance? The citrine zodiac stone graces Libra, the sign of balance and harmony. Given their reputation for optimistic idealism, it only makes sense that Libras be represented by this crystal of joy and love.

Speaking of love, citrine is the traditional gift to commemorate 13th wedding anniversaries. If you know someone approaching this milestone, this is the perfect gift to celebrate their success and happiness.

As we’ve mentioned, citrine is a quartz mineral. That means citrine’s chemical composition is silicon dioxide or silica. In fact, over 95 percent of all known rocks on Earth are mostly made up of silica. While mostly used in the construction industry, you can find it in food, ceramics, and of course jewelry!

With its various uses, silica is clearly pretty tough. Because of this, citrine comes in at an impressive 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Ready to know more? Let’s take a look at the citrine stone’s specific characteristics.

Citrine Specifications and Characteristics

• Color: yellow, orange, golden, brownish orange, reddish-orange

• Crystal structure: trigonal

• Luster: vitreous (glass-like)

• Transparency: transparent to translucent

• Refractive index: 1.54-1.55

• Density: 2.6-2.7

• Cleavage: none