Even though there are many other gems that, in certain varieties, can reach a yellow shade, out of all the citrine is the crystal that has the purest tone of the sun's color, reflecting light in a myriad of golden sparkles. And even if sometimes overlooked by people who prefer wearing yellow topaz, diamond or sapphire, none of these will ever succeed to look so beautiful in the daylight as citrine does. Because citrine is completely made of relaxing, soothing and healing lemon-yellow iridescences - for which reason its own name comes from the pigment of fruits in the citrus family, lemon included.

Therefore, if you are dying to wear jewelry in yellow tones, then I advise you to opt out for the citrine without thinking twice. It is beautiful and when worn as an adornment it will make your hair, eyes and skin look riveting, as it seems to catch and accumulate in it all the magic-golden light of the sun when rising from beyond the hills or from ocean's deep. It will also form a protective aura around your body, keeping you from problems and helping you find the harmony and peacefulness you have been searching for your whole life.

Citrine is the birthstone for all those who have seen the light of the world for the first time during November, which makes it an Earth gem in the Eastern Astrology, and is also considered to be the symbol of the 13th wedding anniversary. The numerological association for this particular stone is the digit 6.

History. During ancient times, the citrine was highly praised for its ability to chase away depression and negative thoughts and to promote tranquility, joy and lightheartedness in any individual who wore it close to his body. Furthermore, it was used as a very efficient and powerful remedy against sorcery, evil and snake bites. Given these healing properties of the citrine, it was included among the stones in the breast plates of high-priests in antiquity.

However, there are not too many references to the citrine throughout recent history, mainly due to the fact that as early as the 18th century people discovered that many other gems, such as the amethyst or more smoky quartzes, can be turned to yellow through a heating process.

Variety. In that which concerns color, the citrine can come in almost all shades of yellow and red, from radiant, fair lemon tone to dark brownish red. It is mined in Brazil - which is actually the main extraction region for this gemstone - but also in France, Russia, Madagascar and the US.

Uses. We have already seen the reasons why the citrine is not as popular nowadays as it should be, given its unique pure yellow translucent color. However, it is still used in ornamental purposes, embedded in semi-precious and precious metals for fine, exquisite pieces of jewelry and also used in many complementary therapies to enhance joy of life and to keep away physical and emotional disorders.

Lore and therapy. Also known in antiquity as 'the merchant's stone', citrine is believed to help one increase his material gains and accumulate more wealth. But besides this, it plays a crucial role in mental and affective healing - by banishing depression and related emotional disorders and boosting self-esteem and self-awareness. It is also very potent as a remedy against sleep disorders, while experts in gemstone therapy recommend this shiny-sparkling crystal to be worn by those who have recurrent and highly disturbing nightmares. It was also believed by New Age healers to stimulate the dream process.

Furthermore, the citrine gemstone helps and eases the flow of energy throughout our body, this way preserving the health of our body and soul. It is also a very effective detoxification agent, which aids in physical and spiritual cleansing. And this is not it, as the beautifully yellow-colored crystal is also well-known for its ability to protect the circulatory, digestive and urinary system or ease symptoms of disorders occurring to these when the case. Citrine is also the lucky gemstone for the Rooster sign in the Chinese horoscope.