Citrine is a captivating gemstone cherished for its warm, inviting hues, ranging from pale yellow to deep golden and orange tones. This variety of quartz has long been a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. Its appealing colors and versatility make it a favored gem, adding radiance to various designs.
Citrine’s Mohs Hardness
Citrine exhibits a Mohs hardness of 7. This places it within the quartz family, a group of minerals known for their durability. Citrine is a durable gemstone suitable for various applications, and its hardness indicates resistance to scratching from many common materials.
The Mohs Scale Explained
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale developed in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. It characterizes the scratch resistance of minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). The scale operates on the principle that a harder material can visibly scratch a softer one. For instance, talc is at 1, while diamond, the hardest known natural mineral, sits at 10.
This scale helps assess a gemstone’s durability against abrasion. Citrine’s position at 7 means it resists scratching from materials with a lower Mohs rating, such as common household dust, which largely consists of quartz. However, it can be scratched by harder gemstones like sapphires or diamonds.
Caring for Citrine
Given its Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings, provided proper care is observed. While durable, it can still be scratched by harder materials and is susceptible to damage from impacts. Therefore, it is advisable to remove citrine jewelry during strenuous activities or when working with harsh chemicals.
Cleaning citrine is straightforward and helps maintain its brilliance. The gemstone can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. After soaking and gently scrubbing, rinse the piece thoroughly under lukewarm running water to remove all soap residue, then pat it dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid exposing citrine to harsh chemicals, as these can cause damage.
Care should also be taken with mechanical cleaning methods. While ultrasonic cleaners are safe for citrine, caution is advised if the stone has been treated. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as citrine should not be subjected to extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to intense light or abrupt temperature changes can also cause the stone’s color to fade or lead to fracturing.
Proper storage is also important for preserving citrine’s appearance. Store citrine jewelry separately in a soft pouch or a dedicated compartment within a jewelry box. This prevents it from being scratched by harder gemstones or from scratching softer materials.