Citrine occurs naturally in proximity to amethyst and is a related quartz mineral. Its color is due to small amounts (approximately 40 parts per million) of iron in the crystal structure of quartz.
Checkerboard-cut
Citrine |
November's Birthstone |
Major Sources |
Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uruguay, Zambia |
Colors Found |
Shades of Yellow |
Family |
Quartz: SiO2 |
Hardness |
7 |
Refractive Index |
1.54 - 1.55; Uniaxial (+) |
Specific Gravity |
2.65 |
Crystal System |
Trigonal |
Mined from both host rock and alluvial deposits, its unique crystal structure makes topaz a hard and dense gemstone. Because of this, pure colorless topaz has often been mistaken for diamond. Weighing 1.680 karats, the huge Braganza gemstone, mounted into the Portuguese crown jewels, was originally thought to be a diamond-in fact, it's a beautiful clear topaz.
Blue, Glacier, Imperial, Mystic
Topaz |
November's Birthstone |
Major Sources |
Brazil, Burma, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria, Russia, & Sri Lanka |
Colors Found |
Various |
Family |
Topaz: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
Hardness |
8 |
Refractive Index |
1.60 - 1.64; Biaxial (+) |
Specific Gravity |
3.49 - 3.57 |
Crystal System |
Orthohombic |
©2011 America's Collectibles Network Inc. ♦ Gerald D. Sisk, JR. ♦ Guide to Gems & Jewelery ♦ Jewelry Television™