What Color is Citrine
Citrine is a vibrant, greenish-gold yellow that mimics the crystalline brilliance of the quartz gemstone. It serves as a dynamic bridge between the organic warmth of earth tones and the sharp clarity of primary yellows.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #0A20E6
- Brightness: 191/255
- Saturation: 96%
Colors That Pair Well With Citrine
Complementary
Pair with Dark Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Dark Blue for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Citrine History
Historically, the term Citrine was first recorded in English in 1386, though the gemstone itself was used for intaglio work in Greece as early as the Hellenistic Age. During the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 30s, the color reached a peak in popularity as massive, faceted stones were set into bold, geometric jewelry for the social elite.
In the realm of pigments, artists traditionally achieved this specific translucent glow by mixing yellow ochre with trace amounts of lead-tin yellow. Unlike the heavy opaqueness of gold leaf, Citrine was used by Renaissance masters to depict the subtle, metallic shimmer of silk and brocade under soft candlelight.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Citrine is synonymous with abundance and professional success. Often called the 'Merchant's Stone,' it is believed to attract wealth and promote mental clarity. Its high-frequency vibration encourages an expansive mindset, helping to replace stagnant energy with a sense of confidence.
The color also signals intellect and analytical thought. Because it contains a slight green undertone, it feels more rejuvenating than a standard sunny yellow, which can sometimes trigger anxiety. It evokes a sense of stability while maintaining a high-energy profile.
In Nature
In the natural world, this hue is most famously found in quartz crystals colored by trace amounts of iron impurities. It also appears in the shimmering wings of the Brimstone butterfly, the vibrant zest of heirloom lemons, and the deep, resinous glow of forest amber.
How To Use Citrine
From a design perspective, Citrine is a compelling choice for branding that wants to appear high-end yet energetic. It functions beautifully as a sophisticated accent against charcoal or navy, providing a pop of light that feels more modern than traditional gold. In physical spaces, it is used to brighten dim rooms by mimicking the presence of natural sunlight.
For digital accessibility, Citrine requires caution due to its high luminosity. Designers must ensure sufficient contrast by avoiding white text on a Citrine background; instead, use dark grey or black typography to maintain legibility. It is an exceptionally effective choice for call-to-action buttons that need to stand out without looking aggressive.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Imperial Quartz
A luxurious and grounded palette that pairs the brightness of Citrine with deep, royal tones.
Citrus Grove
A fresh, organic palette inspired by Mediterranean landscapes and ripening fruit.
Art Deco Neon
A high-contrast, modern take on 1920s glamour using sharp blacks and metallics.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #E4D00A;
color: rgb(228, 208, 10);
background-color: #E4D00A;
border: 3px solid #E4D00A;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #E4D00A66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #E4D00A 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Citrine
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Citrine?
Explore color palettes containing Citrine and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Medium Cadmium Yellow
#520 • #FFD800
Prismacolor
Sunburst Yellow
#PC917 • #FFD62F
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Citrine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Citrine?
What colors go with Citrine?
Is Citrine accessible for text?
How do I use Citrine in CSS?
You can use Citrine in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.citrine {
background-color: #E4D00A;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.