citrine

[ si-treen, -trahyn, -trin, si-treen ]

adjective

1. pale-yellow; lemon-colored.

noun

1. a translucent, yellow variety of quartz, often sold as topaz; false topaz; topaz quartz.

citrine

/ ˈsɪtrɪn /

noun

1. a brownish-yellow variety of quartz: a gemstone; false topaz
2. 1. the yellow colour of a lemon
   2. (as modifier)

      citrine hair

citrine

/ sĭ-trēn′,sĭt′rēn′ /

1. A pale-yellow variety of crystalline quartz resembling topaz. The coloring is caused by the presence of a small amount of iron in the crystal structure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of citrine¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French; citrus, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Tertiary Colours are three only, citrine, russet, and olive.

From Project Gutenberg

The citrine and the plum, however, are approximate contrasts.

From Project Gutenberg

Slate is made of green and violet, and is thus also related to citrine.

From Project Gutenberg

The third circle shows how slate, citrine and russet are made.

From Project Gutenberg

Carron himself flitted about with a lantern like a will o' the wisp whose tremulous flare shot the firelight with pallid citrine.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Citrine

What does citrine mean?

Citrine is a translucent yellow gemstone.

It is a variety of quartz. Its color can vary from pale yellow to almost brown.

Citrine is considered a semiprecious gem, which is a label assigned to some gemstones that have a lesser value than those considered precious.

Because it can have a similar coloring, citrine is sometimes confused with yellow topaz, a similar but more expensive gemstone. For this reason, citrine is sometimes known as false topaz or topaz quartz. (Citrine is sometimes falsely sold as topaz.)

Along with topaz, citrine is one of the birthstones for the month of November. It is also considered a traditional gift for a 13th wedding anniversary (at least among the people who make up these things).

The word citrine is also used to refer to a pale shade of yellow.

Example: I got a bracelet with a dangling citrine for my birthday.

Where does citrine come from?

The first records of the word citrine come from the 1300s. It’s related to the word citrus.

Citrine is a variety of silica mineral quartz. Its coloring is due to small amounts of iron oxide.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for citrine?

• false topaz
• topaz quartz
• lemon yellow (when citrine is used to refer to a color)

What are some words that share a root or word element with citrine? 

• citrus
• citron

What are some words that often get used in discussing citrine?

• gemstone
• gem
• mineral
• stone
• birthstone
• November
• yellow
• lemon

How is citrine used in real life?

Citrine is commonly confused with topaz. Some people know it as the birthstone for the month of November.

💛💍 citrine rings 💍💛
(sterling silver & adjustable) pic.twitter.com/2gTXeExuG3

— my⋆crystal⋆earth (@mycrystalearth) October 23, 2021

Neolithic Bead Necklace!

This necklace features a stunning neolithic bead, dating from 5,000 to 12,000 years old. The pale yellow stone used to make these beads is a variety of quartz commonly referred to as citrine or lemon quartz.https://t.co/Uqvmg7o3J5#jewelry pic.twitter.com/jwkoXfD4KJ

— Mini Museum (@minimuseumshop) September 16, 2020

Heh. Citrine, and blue and yellow topaz in sterling, earrings for a family member. This will be happening really, really soon, people. pic.twitter.com/ZricC5MHQn

— Nicola Cameron (@YesItsNicolaC) October 18, 2018

 

 

Try using citrine!

True or False?

Citrine is also sometimes known as false topaz.