Citrine is the alternate birthstone for the month of November.

Citrine ranges in color from pale yellow to dark brownish orange. The name is derived from the French word "citrin", meaning "yellow’. The use of this term dates to the 16th century when it came to represent the golden shades of the quartz family.    Other members of the quartz family include amethyst, Smokey quartz, rose quartz and rock crystal.

The primary source of citrine is Brazil which produces the gemstone in abundance.

Moh's Hardness:  7

Color:  light yellow to a honey brown.

Amethyst is often heat treated to turn the gemstone from purple to yellow.