Citrine Meaning and Properties

What is the History of Citrine?

Its name is derived from the Latin word citrina because of its pale yellow citrus color (due to its iron content). From the earliest times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and believed to hold sunlight, offering protection from snakebites. The stone’s golden hue linked it to wealth and prosperity, earning it the nickname merchant’s stone. To the Romans, it was associated with Mercury, the messenger god, and commonly used to carve intaglios.

Watch this video to learn more about the history of the merchant's stone, its proposed metaphysical benefits, and its role in modern gem marketing.

What are the Metaphysical Properties of Citrine?

Citrine meaning is often connected to joy, abundance, and positivity. This golden gemstone is known as the success stone, the merchant’s stone and the money stone—each name reflecting its reputation for attracting prosperity and uplifting energy. Citrine meaning also ties into its symbolism as the November birthstone and its association with the zodiac sign Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21). Believed to radiate sun-like warmth, citrine is thought to brighten moods and inspire a more optimistic outlook.

This vibrant yellow gem is linked with personal power, motivation and creativity. Many wearers and designers believe citrine promotes emotional well-being, attracts prosperity and encourages positive communication.

Black onyx jewelry is frequently paired with citrine to create an energetic balance—uniting grounding strength with uplifting brightness.

What Chakra is Citrine?

Citrine is strongly associated with the solar plexus chakra, the energetic center of personal power, confidence and clarity. In chakra traditions, chakras are believed to be spinning energy centers within the body that influence emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Each chakra corresponds to a specific area and color—citrine’s warm yellow resonates with the solar plexus chakra, believed to energize and clear blockages in this area.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) - Yellow

• Location: navel (belly button)
• Represents: personal power; anxiety; forming opinions; fear; introversion; personal control
• Emotional issues: self-image; self-confidence; self-worth; expansiveness; transitions from simple emotions to complex ones
• Spiritual issues: growth; spiritual progress
• Physical issues: metabolism; digestion; energy; pancreatic troubles
• Gemstones: amber, citrine, yellow calcite, tigereye 

Wearing chakra bracelets featuring citrine can support mindfulness, self-esteem and emotional resilience. To dive deeper into gemstone and chakra connections, check out this guide: Chakras and Their Gemstones.

Black onyx jewelry is also used across chakra practices for grounding energy, making it a complementary addition to citrine in chakra bracelet designs.

What is Citrine Made From?

Citrine is a macrocrystalline form of quartz, like amethyst, aventurine, and rose quartz. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), it forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often as crystal veins.

Natural citrine is rare; most on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Brazilian amethyst turns yellow at 878°F, while smoky quartz shifts color between 572°F–752°F. These heat-treated stones may show a reddish tint and are valued for their vibrant appearance.

Gem-quality citrine is mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, the U.S. and several European countries. It is often confused with yellow topaz or tourmaline but is uniquely durable with a Mohs hardness of 7.

• Mineral Information: Microcrystalline quartz
• Chemical Composition: SiO2
• Color: Golden yellow to deep yellow and yellow-orange
• Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
• Specific Gravity: 2.65
• Refractive Index: 1.544 - 1.553