November Birthstone - Topaz & Citrine
The golden-hued gemstones symbolizing strength, abundance, and positive energy
About November's Birthstones
November is graced with two beautiful birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both gemstones share a similar golden-yellow color palette, though topaz is available in a much wider range of colors, while citrine is primarily known for its warm yellow to orange-brown hues.
Topaz, one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals, derives its name from the ancient Greek island of Topazios in the Red Sea (now called Zabargad). Throughout history, all yellow gemstones were once referred to as topaz, creating confusion that persisted until modern gemological analysis. Today, we know that topaz is a distinct mineral that occurs in a spectrum of colors, with blue topaz being the most popular variety in modern jewelry.
Citrine, a variety of quartz, gets its name from the French word "citron," meaning lemon, due to its citrus-like color. Natural citrine is relatively rare, and much of the commercial citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. The warm, sunny color of citrine has made it a symbol of vitality and positive energy.
Beyond gemstones, November is also celebrated through its beautiful birth flowers. Discover the meaning and symbolism of the November birth flower, the Chrysanthemum and Peony, which complement the warm golden hues of November's birthstones.
Topaz & Citrine Properties
Physical Properties: Topaz
- Mineral: Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂)
- Color: Colorless, blue, brown, yellow, pink, purple, red (rare)
- Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Refractive Index: 1.609-1.643
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Specific Gravity: 3.49-3.57
Physical Properties: Citrine
- Mineral: Quartz (SiO₂)
- Color: Yellow to orange-brown
- Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
- Crystal System: Hexagonal
- Specific Gravity: 2.65
Symbolic Meaning
- Strength: Topaz symbolizes physical strength and mental fortitude
- Abundance: Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone" for attracting wealth
- Healing: Both stones are associated with healing and rejuvenation
- Clarity: Topaz is believed to bring mental clarity and focus
- Positivity: Citrine is called the "stone of happiness" for its positive energy
- Protection: Historically, topaz was worn as protection against harm
Care & Maintenance
- Topaz: Clean with warm, soapy water and soft brush
- Citrine: Clean with warm, soapy water and soft brush
- Topaz: Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution due to topaz's perfect cleavage
- Citrine: Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for citrine
- Topaz: Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight which can fade some colors
- Both: Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Topaz: Handle with care to prevent impacts that could cause cleavage
- Both: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones
The Rich History of Topaz & Citrine
Topaz has a long and illustrious history dating back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians believed that topaz received its golden color from the sun god Ra, while the ancient Greeks associated the gem with strength and power. The name "topaz" may have derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire, or from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea where yellow stones (now known to be peridot) were once mined.
Throughout the Middle Ages, topaz was believed to have remarkable healing properties and was used to treat physical and mental disorders. European royalty particularly favored topaz, with many famous specimens appearing in royal collections. The Braganza Diamond, a 1,680-carat stone in the Portuguese Crown Jewels, was long thought to be a diamond but was later identified as colorless topaz.
Citrine has a more modest historical presence, often being confused with topaz until the development of modern gemology. The ancient Romans used citrine for beautiful intaglio work, particularly in men's signet rings. During the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s, citrine experienced a surge in popularity, especially when paired with other colorful gemstones like amethyst, peridot, and aquamarine in elaborate jewelry pieces.
In the Victorian era, Scottish jewelry makers frequently used citrine, as it was found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland and became known as "Cairngorm quartz" in that region. Queen Victoria's fondness for Scottish jewelry helped popularize citrine throughout the British Empire. Today, both topaz and citrine continue to be popular gemstones, with blue topaz (usually enhanced through irradiation and heat treatment) being one of the most widely sold colored gemstones in the market.
Topaz & Citrine Varieties
Both topaz and citrine come in various forms and colors, each with its own unique characteristics and value in the gemstone market:
Imperial Topaz
The most valuable variety of topaz, imperial topaz displays a rich, reddish-orange to orange-pink color. The name originated from 19th century Russia, where the Ural Mountain mines were controlled by the Czar and the finest red and pink topaz was reserved exclusively for the imperial family.
Blue Topaz
The most common variety of topaz in today's market, blue topaz rarely occurs naturally in deep colors. Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and then heat-treated to produce various blue shades, from the pale "Sky Blue" to the medium "Swiss Blue" to the deep "London Blue."
Mystic Topaz
This is not a natural variety but rather colorless topaz that has been coated with a thin metallic layer that creates a rainbow effect on the surface. While visually striking, the coating can wear off over time with regular wear, requiring reapplication.
Natural Citrine
True natural citrine is relatively rare and has a pale yellow to honey color. It forms when trace amounts of iron are present in quartz under specific conditions. Most natural citrine comes from Brazil, Madagascar, and the Ural Mountains of Russia.
Heat-Treated Citrine
The majority of citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. This treatment produces a range of colors from yellow to orange to reddish-brown. Heat-treated citrine from amethyst often shows a reddish undertone and sometimes retains amethyst's characteristic color zoning.
Ametrine
A unique variety that combines both amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow) in the same crystal. This natural bi-color quartz forms when different parts of the crystal are exposed to different temperature conditions during formation. The best ametrine comes from the Anahi mine in Bolivia.
Fascinating Facts About Topaz & Citrine
Fact #1
The largest cut topaz in the world is the "American Golden Topaz," weighing an astonishing 22,892 carats (10.1 pounds). It took two years to cut and is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Fact #2
Natural citrine is so rare that it's estimated that less than 1% of all citrine on the market today is natural. The vast majority is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which develops the characteristic yellow to orange color when heated to around 900°F (482°C).
Fact #3
Despite its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), topaz has perfect cleavage, meaning it can split cleanly along certain planes if struck at the right angle. This property makes cutting and setting topaz challenging for jewelers and requires special care during wear.
Fact #4
Citrine has long been known as the "merchant's stone" or "success stone" because it is believed to bring prosperity and success. Historically, merchants would keep citrine in their cash registers or money pouches to attract wealth and prevent loss.
Topaz & Citrine in Jewelry
Both topaz and citrine make excellent choices for jewelry due to their beauty, durability, and relative affordability compared to other precious gemstones:
Topaz Jewelry Considerations
- Setting Types: Despite its hardness, topaz's perfect cleavage means protective settings like bezels or prongs that don't put pressure on vulnerable areas are ideal.
- Color Varieties: Blue topaz is the most common in jewelry, but imperial topaz (pinkish-orange) is the most valuable. Colorless, yellow, and brown topaz are also widely available.
- Size Advantage: Topaz often forms in large crystals, making it available in larger carat weights at reasonable prices, perfect for statement pieces.
- Metal Pairings: Blue topaz pairs beautifully with white metals like platinum and white gold, while imperial and golden topaz complement yellow and rose gold settings.
Citrine Jewelry Considerations
- Versatility: With a hardness of 7, citrine is durable enough for all jewelry types, including everyday rings.
- Affordability: Citrine is one of the most affordable yellow gemstones, making it perfect for larger statement pieces.
- Color Range: Citrine's warm yellow to orange-brown hues work well in both casual and formal jewelry designs.
- Metal Pairings: Citrine looks particularly striking set in yellow gold, which enhances its warm tones, but also pairs well with rose gold for a vintage look.
Care Tips for November Birthstone Jewelry
- Clean both topaz and citrine jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight for topaz, as some colors (particularly blue) may fade over time.
- Remove topaz jewelry before engaging in activities that might subject the stone to hard impacts, which could cause it to cleave.
- Store both gemstones separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratching.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can potentially cause internal stress in the stones.
November Birthstone Jewelry
Beautiful Topaz Jewelry
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Buy On AmazonNovember's Birth Flowers
In addition to the stunning Topaz and Citrine birthstones, November is represented by two beautiful birth flowers: the Chrysanthemum and the Peony. These flowers carry their own rich symbolism and cultural significance, perfectly complementing November's golden gemstones.
The Chrysanthemum symbolizes cheerfulness, friendship, and rest, while the Peony represents honor, romance, and prosperity. Together with November's birthstones, they create a complete picture of November's special meanings.
Discover November's Birth FlowersExplore Other Birthstones
November Daily Birthstone Calendar
Discover the unique traits and meanings associated with your specific birth date in November. Each day carries special significance and connection to your birthstone.
Free Birthstone Chart
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