Sunela, or Sunehla, is the name citrine carries in Urdu, and it comes from sona — gold. The name describes the stone better than the English one does: a clear, warm, golden yellow quartz that looks like sunlight held still.

The stone

5.50 carats, which is 6.04 ratti. Recorded colour: golden yellow. Rs. 12,380, about Rs. 2,251 per carat, reference GS-000204.

The names you will hear

• Sunela / Sunehla (سنہلا) — the Urdu trade name, from the word for gold.
• Citrine — the gemmological name, from the French for lemon.
• Quartz — the mineral itself. Amethyst is the same mineral in purple.
• Topaz, incorrectly — citrine is still sometimes sold as "golden topaz" or "Madeira topaz". It is not topaz, which is a different mineral at 8 on the Mohs scale.

Our Urdu and English gemstone name list matches the rest of the stones by both names, which saves confusion when a jeweller and a website call the same gem different things.

Golden yellow, and what it suits

This shade is the middle of the citrine range — warm and clearly golden without tipping into orange. It is the most versatile: it holds its colour under indoor light where a pale stone fades, and it does not read as heavy the way a deep orange can. In yellow gold it is seamless; in 925 silver the contrast makes it look brighter.

Where the colour comes from

Much of the citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst. The two are the same mineral, and heating purple amethyst turns it yellow to orange permanently. Natural-colour citrine is paler and less common. Our specification sheet says "often heated" for this stone type rather than claiming the colour arrived on its own, and we have not tested this piece. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged, and a certificate of authenticity comes on request.

Sunela and pukhraj

In Pakistan citrine is sometimes offered as a cheaper substitute for yellow sapphire, and occasionally passed off as it. They are different minerals: sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale and much denser, citrine is 7. If the price looks like citrine, it is citrine. Our yellow sapphire versus citrine guide explains how to tell them apart.

Tradition

Citrine is one of November's birthstones and is traditionally associated with cheerfulness and clear thinking. We pass that on as tradition rather than as a claim about what the stone will do. Our November birthstone guide covers it alongside topaz.

Care

Citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; no ultrasonic cleaners, and keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can pale the colour over years.

Ordering

One piece only. Shape and measurements have not been recorded; ask on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan, insured and tracked, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery, seven days to return it unused. More in the Sunela collection.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural citrine, known in Urdu as Sunela, with a weight of 5.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,380 — roughly Rs. 2,251 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000204 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

On the Mohs scale citrine rates 7. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy citrine from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every citrine for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Much citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst; natural-colour citrine is paler and less common. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.