Citrine

Joy • Confidence • Abundance

Stone profile

• Colors: pale yellow, honey, golden yellow, amber and golden brown
• Family or composition: yellow to orange variety of quartz
• Symbolic associations: Gemini, Leo and Libra; solar plexus and sacral chakra; fire; summer

Characteristics and origin

Citrine belongs to the quartz family. Its shades range from very pale yellow to honey and golden brown, with transparency and inclusions varying from one specimen to another.

Long used in jewelry, citrine is also known as one of November’s birthstones. Its name traditionally evokes the color of lemon.

Traditional symbolism

In contemporary gemstone traditions, citrine is often used as a symbol of:

• joy and optimism;
• confidence and creativity;
• motivation and taking action;
• abundance and success as personal intentions.

These associations are cultural, spiritual or personal references. They do not describe an effect produced by the stone.

Citrine in jewelry

Its hardness, transparency and golden tones make it suitable for many types of jewelry. It pairs easily with gold- or silver-tone metals and with other varieties of quartz.

Explore more

See our A-to-Z gemstone guide.

Key takeaway

Citrine is above all a quartz with sunny hues. The ideas of joy or abundance associated with it are symbolic interpretations, not measurable effects.

Important note: The associations attributed to gemstones come from traditions and beliefs. No physical or psychological effect has been scientifically demonstrated. Lithotherapy does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.