Citrine Myths and Legends: The Sunstone of Wealth, Warmth, and Willpower
Citrines warm, honeyed glow evokes the sun's vitality and it's long been cherished as a gem of joy, abundance, and spiritual strength.
From ancient merchants seeking prosperity to medieval healers warding off negative thoughts, citrine has shone its light through myths, magic, and meaning.
Let’s explore the golden threads of folklore woven around this luminous stone.
Ancient Greece and Rome: A Gift from the Sun Gods
In ancient times, citrine was admired for its resemblance to amber and topaz. The Greeks and Romans valued its warm, golden hue, associating it with the sun's energy.
Some legends suggest that citrine was linked to Apollo, the (Greek) god of the sun, music, and prophecy. Carrying a golden-yellow gem was thought to invite his favour, bringing artistic brilliance, eloquence, and healing.
Roman priests sometimes wore yellow quartz during rituals to channel divine insight and protection.
Merchants also took to citrine for its reputation as a wealth-bringer. It became known as the merchant’s stone, a talisman for prosperity that could be tucked into a coin pouch or placed near shop ledgers to encourage financial growth.
Chinese Lore: The Stone of Generosity
In Chinese tradition, citrine is associated with wealth. Not just material wealth, but also generosity and abundance of spirit.
In Feng Shui practices, citrine is often placed in the wealth corner of homes or businesses to promote material prosperity and positive energy. Its sunny hue is believed to attract success and dispel negative energy, making it a favourite among those seeking balance and harmony in their environments .
Scottish Highlands: Cairngorm Power and Clan Heritage
Citrine holds a special place in Scottish folklore, particularly in the Highlands.
A variety of quartz known as "Cairngorm" was used to adorn the swords and the attire of clan chiefs and warriors as these gems were believed to ward off fear. They were also set into traditional Scottish jewelry such as kilt ornaments and brooches during the Victorian period.
While Cairngorm is generally considered to be smoky quartz, the amber coloured variety would actually be classed as citrine which is why I've mentioned it here.
Medieval Europe: A Mind-Clearing, Dream-Lifting Gem
In medieval Europe, citrine was part of the healer’s toolkit. Believed to calm anger, cleanse the mind, and dispel nightmares.
Dream interpreters would keep the stone under their pillows to encourage truthful visions and deep sleep.
Whilst alchemists, fascinated by the stone’s radiant hue, called it “the sun in crystal” and believed it could awaken the third eye and solar plexus, centers of power, intuition, and identity.
A Stone of Sunshine and Strength
Citrine’s myths span wealth and wisdom, warmth and willpower. It’s a stone that’s rarely feared and often favored, a rare thing in the world of gemstone folklore.
Whether you see it as a talisman of abundance, a crystal of clarity, or simply a sunny spark of joy, citrine carries centuries of light with it. The stories remind us that not all power is fierce. Sometimes, it’s steady, radiant, and quietly life-giving.