November Birthstone

What is the November Birthstone?

The birthstones for November are citrine and yellow topaz. These warm-colored gems are the perfect embodiment of the November spirit – filled with the hues of autumn and carrying a certain comforting energy, just like the month itself.

What Color is the November Birthstone?

Both citrine and yellow topaz come in various colors, from pale yellow to deep honey-brown. These golden shades echo the shades of the fall season and are often described as capturing the sun’s warmth.

Citrine: November’s Birthstone

Recognized for its many captivating shades of yellow and orange, citrine is a variety of quartz. It owes its color to traces of iron in its composition. With its radiant hue and luminous shine, citrine makes for gorgeous jewelry.

Citrine Birthstone Meaning & History

Throughout history, citrine has been celebrated for its beauty and profound meanings. Its sunny color has led many cultures to associate it with light and positivity.

What is the Meaning of Citrine?

Citrine is known as the “healing quartz.” It’s thought to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy, and warmth within the wearer. It’s also considered a stone of abundance and manifestation, attracting wealth and prosperity, success, and all good things.

What Does Citrine Symbolize?

As a physical manifestation of sunlight, citrine symbolizes light, warmth, and clarity. It’s often associated with creativity and imagination is believed to enhance mental clarity and activate the mind.

History of Citrine

Citrine has a rich and colorful history that spans many cultures and millennia. The gemstone’s name is derived from the French word “citron,” meaning “lemon,” a nod to its bright, citrus-like color. This gemstone’s sunny hues and eye-catching radiance have made it a cherished gem throughout history.

In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Known as a “merchant’s stone,” citrine was reputed to bring prosperity and success, especially for those in sales and business. This connection to wealth and success made it a popular gemstone amongst Greek merchants during the Hellenistic Age around the end of the 4th century BC.

The Romans were known to craft beautiful jewelry using citrine, fashioning it into highly polished, unfaceted gems called “cabochon.” Citrine’s hardness made it an ideal gemstone for intaglios and cameos, artistic carving styles that were popular in ancient Rome.

In the Art Deco era between World War I and II, citrine saw a resurgence in popularity. Hollywood stars and common people alike admired it for its beauty and affordability. Large, bold pieces featuring citrine were especially popular. During this time, it was common to see the gem set in many substantial jewelry pieces, including cocktail rings, brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.

Today, citrine is still valued for its beauty and symbolism. Its affordability and availability in a variety of sizes and shapes make it a popular choice for all types of jewelry. With a long history spanning across continents and cultures, citrine carries with it a weight of tradition, making it a meaningful gemstone to own.

Where Does Citrine Come From?

While citrine deposits are found worldwide, Brazil is the primary source of this November birthstone. It can also be found in Russia, Madagascar, and Spain, among other locations.

Is Citrine Durable?

Citrine registers a seven on the Mohs hardness scale, indicating good durability and making it an excellent choice for various jewelry types, including rings worn daily.

Citrine Birthstone Care & Cleaning

Citrine is best cleaned with warm, soapy water. As with all gemstones, it should be protected from sharp blows and sudden temperature changes.

Yellow Topaz: November’s Other Birthstone

Yellow topaz, the other November birthstone, shares the month with citrine. This gem, known for its hardness and clarity, comes in various colors, but the golden-yellow variant is most associated with November.

Topaz Birthstone Meaning & History

Topaz has been known and valued for centuries. It was believed to assure beauty, intelligence, and long life in ancient civilizations.

What is the Meaning of Yellow Topaz?

Yellow topaz signifies love and affection. It is believed to give strength and intelligence to the person who wears it, thereby boosting their self-confidence.

History of Topaz

Cultural significance, mystery, and lore are woven through the fascinating history of the topaz gemstone. The name “topaz” is believed to have originated from the ancient Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning “fire,” likely due to the fiery orange color of many of the gem’s varieties. Alternatively, some believe the name was derived from the Greek name for St. John’s Island in the Red Sea, Topazios, once a significant source of this gemstone.

Topaz was highly revered by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. The Egyptians believed the golden glow of the gem was a reflection of the sun god, Ra, attributing it with the power to protect and heal. Roman scholar Pliny the Elder described topaz in his natural history encyclopedia, suggesting that it was a highly valued gemstone in Rome.

In the Middle Ages, topaz was believed to strengthen the mind, prevent mental disorders, and increase wisdom. It was often used in crowns and rings worn by royalty, leaders, and clergy, believed to provide protection and clarity of thought.

Perhaps the most famous topaz is a colorless, clear one that initially was thought to be a diamond. It is known as the Braganza and was set into the Portuguese Crown. The mistake was discovered in the mid-19th century when the gem’s true identity was revealed.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, topaz was often used in mourning jewelry, crafted to commemorate lost loved ones. During the Victorian era, the gem was regularly featured in jewelry designs, often set in decorative hair combs or pins. Then, in the 20th century, a new variety of topaz was discovered in Russia. The stone, now known as Imperial Topaz, is a radiant orange hue with pink undertones. It was named in honor of the Russian tsar, and ownership of it was initially restricted to the royal family.

Today, topaz continues to be a highly sought-after gemstone. Its impressive variety of colors, combined with its rich history and symbolism, makes it a unique and desirable choice for modern jewelry. As we incorporate topaz into our everyday wear, we carry with us the echoes of its vibrant history, enhancing the personal meaning it holds.

Where Does Topaz Come From?

Topaz can be found throughout the world, including in Brazil, Pakistan, and the United States. Topaz crystals occur in highly acidic igneous rocks and in pegmatite veins and cavities.

Topaz Birthstone Care & Cleaning

Topaz is generally durable and requires no special care. However, it should not be cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Topaz is best cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Citrine vs. Yellow Topaz: Understanding the Difference

Citrine and yellow topaz, though similar in their sunny hue, have distinctive characteristics that set them apart:

Though they share a similar visual appeal, these November birthstones have unique characteristics, histories, and properties that make each of them remarkable in their own right. The choice between the two depends on aesthetics, durability, symbolic meaning, and care considerations.

Things to Consider When Buying November Birthstones

When purchasing November birthstones, several key factors should be considered to ensure you make a choice that aligns with your style, needs, and lifestyle: