Citrine

A citrine is a very pretty gemstone that comes in the colors of the sunset. Many citrines are pale yellow to dark brown in color. Citrines rank a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Like all other gems, it is valued on it's size and coloring, the darker the better.

 Many of the citrines being sold on the market today are heat-treated to bring out the deeper color in them, hence making them more expensive. Some people even believe that citrines are just amethysts that have had extreme heat treatment.

So where do citrines come from?

Many of the world's citrines come from Brazil, but these are only heat treated amethyst. Real citrine comes from France, Russia, and Madagascar. These stones are typically inexpensive, except when they are a golden orange color. Then, they can be priced at up to $30 per carat.

 Citrines are often mistaken as valuable yellow and orange topaz, and are sold by dishonest vendors as 'topaz' for a higher price. The citrine is supposed to help in the healing of the heart, kidney, liver and muscles. Citrine also helps eliminate self-destructive actions.