Golden citrine cabochons in oval and teardrop shapes — translucent yellow quartz with Mohs 7, selected from a wholesale lapidary market. 12 available shapes, each piece chosen for tone and clarity. For pendant or ring in 925 silver.
Item details
| Mineral |
Citrine (quartz, yellow variety due to iron traces in the crystal lattice) |
| Dimensions |
Variable by variant — see description for each shape. Variation of ±0.5 mm due to hand-cutting. |
| Shape and back |
Oval or teardrop depending on variant, polished flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for any use without restrictions |
| Origin |
Wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment. Declaration based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification. |
| Item type |
Unique piece per variant |
This specific piece
Citrine exhibits different light behavior depending on the shape of the piece: the oval distributes color uniformly across the entire surface, giving a "fuller" appearance; the teardrop concentrates the yellow in the center and diffuses it towards the ends, creating a gradient when backlit.
The pieces in this lot were chosen for their saturated golden yellow color — with no whitish areas or inclusions that interrupt the color field. The flat back allows for a clean seat in the bezel.
How citrine's color forms
Citrine is quartz with traces of iron (Fe³⁺) in the crystal lattice that absorb part of the visible spectrum, allowing yellow and golden tones to pass through. In natural deposits, citrine forms in pegmatites or hydrothermal deposits where quartz grew in the presence of iron compounds.
For what mounting it works
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Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — Mohs 7 hardness imposes no restrictions; citrine is suitable for everyday rings, pendants, or earrings. An open bezel allows the translucence to be appreciated when backlit.
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Statement pendants and rings — the golden yellow of citrine contrasts very well with bright silver; it also works with yellow gold or copper.
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Wire wrap — the flat back facilitates wrapping; citrine looks especially good with gold wire (brass, bronze, or gold-filled) which enhances the stone's warm tone.
Citrine in lapidary tradition
Natural citrine was prized in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used in cameos and seals for its hardness and warm color. In the 19th century, citrine became popular as an affordable alternative to yellow topaz. The term "citrine" derives from the Latin citrina (lemon yellow).
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine citrine
Cabochon citrine is distinguished from yellow glass by its cool touch and greater hardness (7 Mohs — glass is ~5.5). Under magnification, citrine may show typical quartz inclusions (veils, rutile needles) that glass does not. Heat-treated citrine may show "tension lines" visible with powerful magnification. Yellow topaz has a more intense luster and greater density than citrine.
Frequently asked questions
Are these untreated citrines?
No detectable treatment through lapidary observation. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst — these pieces do not show visual indicators of that process (absence of "ghosts" of bicolor growth or abrupt zoning), but we do not include formal gemological certification. For designer jewelry, the color is identical to that of natural citrine.
What is the difference between oval and teardrop for jewelry?
The oval offers a more classic and symmetrical look — ideal for conventional settings and rings where stone orientation matters. The teardrop has more visual movement and is more effective in central pendants. Both shapes have flat backs and the same lapidary treatment.
What setting do you recommend?
Bezel in 925 silver or any precious metal. Mohs 7 hardness imposes no restrictions on the type of setting. A minimal aluminum bezel (1-1.5 mm) is sufficient; a tall open bezel can obscure the characteristic translucency of citrine.
See also: all cabochons · cabochons for silversmithing.
