Citrine: November's Gemstone Sunshine ☀️

If November had a personality, it would be a little mysterious and quietly confident—and that’s basically citrine in gemstone form. With its golden glow ranging from pale lemon to deep amber, citrine has long been called the “merchant’s stone,” the “success stone,” and the “stone of abundance.” (Basically, it’s the overachiever of the quartz family.)

Victorian Era Citrine brooch. Photo credit: GIA & Tino Hammid

As a gem geek myself, citrine always gives me that “instant mood lift” vibe—like taking a sip of sunshine when the days start getting shorter here in Canada. It’s no wonder people have been obsessed with this sparkly beauty for centuries.

A Little History with a Lot of Glow 🕰️

Citrine’s name comes from the French word citron, meaning “lemon.” (Oui, it’s as zesty as it sounds!) The gemstone has been used as a talisman since ancient Greece, where folks wore it for protection against snake venom and evil thoughts—because who needs those, right?

Roman Bonus Eventus (divine personification of success) carved in citrine, 1st century A.D. 

By the 19th century, Scottish jewellers were crafting ornate sword-shaped brooches set with cairngorm quartz and citrine, a style that surged in popularity thanks to the Victorian obsession with Highland culture and all things tartan-chic.

Then came the Art Deco era of the 1930s, when Hollywood’s golden girls—like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford—wore massive citrine pieces that practically glowed under the stage lights. Talk about radiant energy.

Joan Crawford wearing her citrine necklace and bracelet by Raymond Yard.  Photo credit: collectissim.com

Where Does Citrine Come From? 🌍

Natural citrine is actually pretty rare. Most of what you see on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz (yep, literally baked purple quartz!). The natural stuff usually comes from Brazil, but you can also find it in Madagascar, Russia, Spain, and even parts of the U.S.

Untreated Citrine Quartz specimen from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

27lb Brazilian Citrine Point.  Photo Credit: astrogallery.com

Austrian sourced Citrine Quartz.  Photo Credit: Rudo

Fun fact: because citrine and amethyst are both quartz, they sometimes grow together in the same crystal, forming a stunning two-toned beauty called ametrine—a gemstone mashup that gem nerds like me lose their minds over.

Raw Ametrine from Bolivia. Photo Credit: geologyin.com

The Symbolism & “Powers” Behind Citrine ✨

Citrine is known as a gemstone of manifestation, prosperity, and personal power. Crystal enthusiasts believe it helps boost confidence, creativity, and joy while absorbing negative energy. It’s also said to stimulate the solar plexus chakra (aka your “you got this” energy centre), which helps you feel in control of your own destiny.

It’s kind of like that friend who always hypes you up, reminds you of your worth, and tells you to go chase that dream job—or buy that fancy coffee machine, because you deserve it.

Famous Fans & Star-Studded Moments 💫

Aside from the Old Hollywood icons who adored it, citrine has made modern red-carpet appearances too. Stars like Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, and Beyoncé have all rocked citrine jewellery, proving that this golden gem never really goes out of style.

Beyoncé's citrine and diamond necklace, designed by Glenn Spiro.  Photo Credit: stylishmagazine.online

Angelina Jolie famously wore a breathtaking 18-carat citrine necklace designed by Robert Procop, featuring a sunlit cushion-cut gem that turned heads on the red carpet. She later donated the piece to the Smithsonian, where it now gleams among the world’s most iconic jewels—a true symbol of generosity and golden glamour.

Photo Credit: https://www.pricescope.com/

Citrine’s Value & How to Spot the Real Deal 💰

Natural citrine is rarer (and pricier) than its heat-treated cousins, so if you’re gemstone shopping, keep an eye on colour: true citrine tends to be a soft, honeyed yellow rather than a deep orange-brown. It’s also usually more transparent.

Photo Credit: https://hibiscusmoon.com/

Thankfully, even treated citrine is still quartz, so you’re not missing out on beauty or durability—it’s a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it’s tough enough for daily wear. Just avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged sunlight (ironic, right?), which can fade its colour over time.

Fun & Slightly Crazy Citrine Facts 🔮

• Some cultures used to bury citrine with their dead to protect them in the afterlife.
• It’s believed to never need “cleansing” because it transmutes negative energy instead of absorbing it—like a crystal superhero.
• Citrine is one of the few gemstones that’s always warm to the touch—a little detail that just adds to its sunshine aura.
• In the Middle Ages, it was also known as the “poor man’s topaz,” but honestly, I think it’s every bit as stunning as the real deal.

Why I Think Citrine Is the Perfect November Gem 🍂

For me, citrine captures everything I love about November—the golden leaves, the cozy optimism before winter hits, and that gentle reminder to stay warm inside and out. Whether you wear it as a pendant, keep a crystal on your desk, or just admire it from afar, citrine radiates this quiet, cheerful energy that’s impossible to resist.

1950's Scrollwork Ring In Sterling Silver and Faceted Citrine Gemstone by Le Dragon Argenté

So here’s to the gemstone that keeps our spirits glowing when the sun starts to hide. November babies, you truly lucked out with this one. 💛

Thanks for reading,

Stephenie