Natural Citrine is a rare gemstone. Due to its tawny color, it was often mistaken for topaz until the advent of modern gemology. Quartz is the most popular yellow to orange gem because of its appealing hue, durability, and affordability, all of which are shared by most other varieties of Quartz. Nowadays, a brownish or reddish-orange is the most sought-after hue for Citrine.
What Is Citrine?
Citrine, translucent Quartz that ranges in color from yellowish-green to brownish orange, is an extremely rare gemstone. Due to its tawny color, it was often mistaken for topaz until the advent of modern gemology. Citrine is the most popular yellow to orange gem because of its eye-catching hue, durability, and low price (which it shares with most other quartzes). It’s a great substitute for yellow sapphire and topaz alike. A high-quality citrine will have a vibrant hue that ranges from yellow to reddish-orange, without any traces of brown.
Because natural Citrine is so scarce, most commercially available Citrine is produced through heat treatment, transforming some amethyst from an unattractive pale violet to a more acceptable yellow. The original color of the amethyst affects the saturation of the yellow in the Citrine.
Citrine crystals can range from very small to very large; sizes up to 20 carats are commonly found in jewelry. Citrine is a warm yellow gem that may be found in a variety of typical shapes and sizes. However, several high-end jewelry designers and gem carvers have given the gem unique cuts.
Can Citrine Go In Water?
The Mohs Hardness Scale is the standard method for determining whether or not a stone is suitable for use in water. Stones with a Mohs hardness of 6 or above are not affected by water and can be submerged.
Citrine, a kind of crystalline Quartz, has a Mohs hardness of 7. Therefore it may safely be submerged in water without suffering any damage.
Citrine is water-resistant, although extended submersion is not advised. Small fissures in the stone could form from prolonged contact with moisture. In certain cases, the fractures in your Citrine may be so minute that you wouldn’t notice them until they broke.
Second, prolonged contact with water can dull your stone’s sheen and perhaps create a subtle shift in hue. Soaking your Citrine in water could erase an enhancement to make it shine more brightly. There could be substantial color shifts caused by the rusting of inclusions in the stone if it is regularly exposed to water.
In summary, Citrine is fine to go in water every once in a while, but prolonged contact with water still poses a risk.
Should You Wear Citrine When You Take a Bath?
Because this stone is water-resistant, you don’t need to take off your Citrine jewelry before getting in the shower or bath. However, as we’ve already established, we don’t recommend making this a regular practice.
We think it’s important for you to realize that there are a few drawbacks to wearing your Citrine when you’re in the tub or shower. It would be best if you were careful not to use too hot or cold water since this could crack or chip your stone. Wearing your Citrine while taking a shower or bath at the wrong temperature would not cause immediate harm but could cause permanent damage over time.
There is also the issue of what kinds of chemicals the stone might come into touch with, such as the water quality you use. The appearance and durability of your stone may be compromised by using hard water, highly chlorinated water, harsh bath gels, or shampoos.
How To Clean And Take Care Of Citrine?
Remember these care instructions if you want your citrine to retain its luster and beauty for many years.
Gently Clean Your Citrine
Make a very mild soap and water solution, and don’t use any detergent. Citrine jewelry will benefit from a brief soak in this solution. When cleaning the rest of the piece thoroughly, pay close attention to the crevices and other hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to give the jewelry a thorough rinsing in freshwater. Next, pat it dry with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Air drying might cause dents and scratches on the surface, especially on the gemstone, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner on your citrine jewelry to keep it sparkling. But this treatment should be avoided in unusual situations, such as when the gemstone has been colored or fracture-filled.
Safely Wrap And Store Your Citrine
Your citrine jewelry could get chipped or scratched if you keep it in a jewelry box with other pieces. Wrap the citrine jewelry with a soft cloth before storing it in a box to protect it from scratches. Next, protect them by placing them in velvet or silk bags.
Wear Your Citrine Mindfully
Never wear jewelry while doing household chores like cleaning, gardening, cooking, etc. In addition, remove it before entering the pool because chlorine might dull the gemstone’s shine. Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and other alkaline solutions should not come into contact with your natural citrine.
Wearing jewelry after applying makeup and cosmetics might help reduce jewelry contact with potentially harmful substances. Do not wear citrine jewelry in direct sunlight or temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit; doing so may cause the gemstone’s color to fade.
Get Professional Jewelry Maintenance
A gemologist‘s care is needed for your precious stone. At least twice a year, you should have it checked and cleaned by a professional to maintain its quality and looks.
Conclusion
Citrine is one of the most beautiful and sought-after precious gemstones available today. The vibrant golden-orange color is the jewel’s main selling point and looks stunning in any jewelry. Knowing how to care for this November birthstone is crucial if you already own one or intend to do so.
Citrine jewelry is rare, attractive, and precious. In one way or another, this piece of precious gemstone is a great investment. You may now wear yours with confidence knowing it will last as long as you do, thanks to your newfound knowledge on keeping it clean and secure.