If you think that the market only has natural-occurring citrine, you are wrong! In general, there are five types of citrine in the gem and jewellery market:
Natural Citrine
Enhanced Citrine
Heated Amethyst
Synthetic Citrine (man-made)
Imitation Citrine / Citrine Simulant (man-made)
1. Different Type of Citrine - Natural Citrine
Natural Citrine are quartz with the characteristic yellow to orangey-brown colour that occurred naturally. In a very simple and layperson word, this type refers to those citrine that is mined, cut and polished into end-products directly. Such citrine is considered rare, and people are willing to pay a premium for such naturally occurring ones.
2. Different Type of Citrine - Enhanced Citrine
Enhanced Citrine are natural citrine of light-colour that has been heated. The process of heating enhance the colour, makes it richer, more attractive; and sellable.
3. Difference Type of Citrine - Heated Amethyst
Apart from heating natural citrine, it was discovered that some light-coloured amethyst can be heated to give an attractive citrine colour. With the wide availability of amethyst in Brazil, this method provides a wide variety of nice-looking and inexpensive "citrine" in the market. An example for this type is "citrine" geodes or caves.
4. Different Type of Citrine - Synthetic Citrine
Synthetic Citrine are those that is produced by man. Such "citrine" has the same chemical composition, mineral structure, and optical properties as natural citrine; and much pieces of wonderful colour and superb clarity are grown using the hydrothermal method.
The pros about synthetic citrine is its consistent colours, affordability, and large quantities; making it the perfect choice for chained stores that wish to achieve consistency in its products.
5. Different Type of Citrine - Imitation Citrine/ Citrine Simulant
Apart from synthetic citrine, lab-created corundum of yellow to orange colour are also used as citrine simulant in inexpensive jewellery. Corundum is a different family; the most relatable is its red and blue variants called ruby and sapphire. One of the main difference between quartz (citrine) and corundum (ruby and sapphire) is its hardness. Quartz has a Mohs Hardness of 7.0, and corundum is 9.0. Hence, a citrine simulant made of corundum composition is hardier.
In all, with the many different types of citrine available in the market, it becomes difficult for a layperson to find a natural piece. The last place to look for are chained stores selling in bulks of the same size, carat weight and pattern. Why we say so is because we began to offer great citrine pieces since 2019 (another story on this). Each batch comes in small quantities, and so far none is the exact of another. Hence, making it really difficult to find matching pair(s) for earrings.
