Citrine quartz

 

Oddly enough, the basically yellow variety of quartz is known as citrine quartz, or simply citrine, despite the fact that generally the color is nothing like lemon yellow. It was and still is called topaz or topaz quartz as well, because o' a similarity in color, much to the detriment of true topaz which is thus considered more plentiful, and less valuable than by rights it should be.

Appearance The color varies from pure yellow to dult yellow, honey, or brownish yellow, sometimes even with a; russet tint. As with amethyst, the color is often broken uF into patches or bands, although due to its depth of hue, thc zoning is less obvious. It has good luster (like amethyst and is generally very clear and virtually free of inclusionbecause the amount of raw material available allows for considerable selectivity. It is fashioned into all the styles normal for transparent stones, except the brilliant cut Large stones of 10 carats or even more are often seen Distinctive features Color zoning, where present, m be an aid to recognition. The density of citrine (togeth with that of orthoclase) is the lowest for stones of this coi and is much less than that of topaz, in particular. AlthouL normally good, its luster is slightly inferior to that of topa: and the latter can show signs of incipient cleavage, nev• seen in citrine.

As with the majority of quartzes, the interference figure characteristic, where this can be established. Citrine is f: - less lustrous than yellow sapphire, which also normally ha:highly characteristic inclusions. As a rule, however, citrir, can only be distinguished from the numerous other yello:, stones by an examination of the physical properties.

Occurrence Large quantities of citrine are obtained fror Brazil. It is also found in the United States (North Carolin; California), Spain, and the Soviet Union.

Value Quite low, for a secondary gem; less than that c amethyst. Like amethyst, it was much more highly valued ir the past than it is today.

Simulants and synthetics It is not imitated; but despitc its low value, it is synthesized, like amethyst, on a IargE scale. The cost of the synthetic version is equal to or only slightly lower than that of the natural gemstone. Amethyst when heated, assumes the yellow color of citrine.

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