"I create the world I want" - November Affirmation.
I know I've said it before, but November is one of my favourite months of the year! It's that gorgeous between spring and summer heat, that perfect summery glow, the beautiful sunset bursts of colour across the evening skies! There is an extra ching in the bubbly ching-ching, and the background laughs, and chatter have that summer warmth! November is the month of that warm fuzzy glow feeling, the pre-holiday vibes and the month of glorious golden splendour! Yes, it's the month of Citrine.
Words like juicy lemon yellow, butterscotch, burnt orange, whiskey and dark rich honey come to mind when thinking of Citrine, the magnificent yellow variety of quartz crystal. I love the idea that its warm golden colour, power and energy, are said to be gifts from the sun.
Natural Citrine is very rare, and the mining yield is low. They are mostly found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and Madagascar. The natural stones usually sport paler yellow colours, often with smoky tones. Unfortunately, most Citrine available on the market results from either smoky quartz or Amethyst heat treatment at the mine. The heat treatment of smoky quartz produces a light to medium yellow Citrine, while treating Amethyst results in a stronger yellow, brownish or reddish Citrine.
The presence of ferric iron causes the yellow colours, and the coveted "Madeira" colour is created by heat-treating the Citrines with the proper iron content. However, this treatment has to be monitored carefully, as there currently is no simple way of testing the iron content.
Appreciation for these yellow stones dates as far back as 300 BC to 150 BC, where Citrines have not only been used for decorative purposes but also for protection against the venom of snakes, but also that of evil thoughts and words.
Utilising Citrines for jewellery was also very popular in the 19th century. During the Art Deco period, the cheerful colour and dramatic proportions of the gems perfectly suited the era's style and the use of bold gold. For this reason, Citrines were set in many prized pieces worn by stars such as the Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo. After she was seen adorning herself with these pieces, the sought-after crystals surged in popularity. Joan Crawford's spectacular piece of jewellery set with 350 carats of Citrine is another example of the jewellery of that period.
More recently, Angelina Jolie donated a valuable Citrine necklace featuring stunning pear-shaped drops to the Smithsonian Institution, displayed with other famous gems.
Throughout the Middle Ages and even today, Citrine is known as the "Merchant's Stone", believed to bring prosperity, abundance and wealth to those who wear it. It encompasses all things warm and beautiful: hope, cheerfulness, joy, youth, health, regeneration, creativity and fidelity. It is a stone reminding us of our purpose, even when we have lost our way.
Whether you are a mystic and drawn to the optimism and positivity these crystals symbolise, or if you adore its warm golden shades, why not light up your own or someone else's jewellery collection this month with the sparkle of Citrine? Remember, it is also the stone of the 13th and 17th anniversaries.
Next month, as the long-awaited summer holiday approaches, we will explore the delightfully cool-coloured Tanzanite and Turquoise gemstones.
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With love from me to you
Rethea xoxo