Lot of 9 round citrine cabochons, approximately 4 mm. Warm yellow color with medium-high transparency. For pavé settings, halo rings, delicate bracelets, and earrings.
Item Details
| Mineral |
Citrine (macrocrystalline quartz, yellow variety) |
| Dimensions |
~4 mm diameter. Variation ±0.5 mm between pieces in the lot |
| Shape and Back |
Round, flat polished back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for rings with regular wear; we recommend bezel or prong setting for the 4 mm size |
| Origin |
Material acquired from lapidary wholesale market |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; item does not include formal gemological certification. |
| Item Type |
Lot of 9 units |
This specific piece
All 9 cabochons in the lot show a medium yellow hue, without visible banding or areas of different color. Transparency is medium-high: under direct light, internal traces of the quartz's crystalline growth can be seen, but turbidity is minimal. The small 4 mm size is the most versatile for jewelers working with multiple stones in the same piece.
How color forms in citrine
Citrine is quartz with traces of iron in the Fe³⁺ state, which absorbs blue-violet wavelengths and allows yellow to pass through. Its natural formation occurs in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins where Fe³⁺ was available during crystal growth. Genuine citrine is less common on the market than heat-treated amethyst (which also turns yellow), which explains its relative scarcity in collections.
For what setting does it work?
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Prong or bezel setting (925 silver or 14K gold) — the 4 mm size is ideal for pavé, halo, or multistone rings with three- or four-prong settings.
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Delicate earrings — a pair of 4 mm round citrines in a 925 silver bezel offers a high-quality minimalist aesthetic.
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Wire wrap — an alternative for those working with wire; the small diameter wraps efficiently with fine 26-28 gauge wire.
Citrine in lapidary tradition
Citrine was known in antiquity as the "merchant's stone" due to its gold-like color. In imperial Rome, it was a frequently used gem in seals and cameos. The name derives from the Latin citrus (lemon), referring to the pale yellow of lighter varieties.
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
Genuine citrine has color distributed relatively uniformly (though with natural variations) and no color lines that follow specific growth planes — unlike ametrine, which shows abrupt color sectors. Under magnification, the surface shows the vitreous luster of quartz. The color of natural citrine can be duller or paler than that of treated amethyst (which is usually more saturated and homogeneous).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all 9 cabochons in the lot identical?
They are of the same mineral, tone, and format (~4 mm round), but as individual lapidary pieces, they may present small variations in tone, transparency, or exact size within the ±0.5 mm range. The photographs show representative pieces from the lot.
What setting are they most suitable for?
For pavé, halo, or multistone rings with prong settings. Also for stud earrings and bracelets with multiple cabochons.
Do they have any treatment?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the item does not include formal gemological certification. Genuine citrine does not require treatment for its color.
Are they interchangeable with standard 4 mm bezels?
The ±0.5 mm variation between pieces may mean that some fit slightly differently in a standard pre-made bezel. For a precise jewelry finish, the jeweler will adapt the bezel to the actual dimension of each piece.
More about citrine: properties and uses of citrine. See also: cabochon collection · handmade rings.
