Gemstone enthusiasts born in November have a delightful choice to make in their birthday month. This eleventh month of the year offers not one but two exceptional birthstones: Citrine and Topaz. Both these gems are not only stunning but also readily accessible, ensuring they fit a variety of budgets. In this blog, we will delve into the symbolism, history, and distinguishing features of these beautiful gemstones, emphasising their significance in November.
Gemstone Duality: The History of Topaz And Citrine Birthstones
The concept of birthstones traces its roots back to ancient times, dating back to the 12 stones adorning the High Priest’s breastplate, a biblical reference found in Exodus. Historically, it was customary to wear a stone corresponding to each month throughout the year. However, in 1912, a momentous shift occurred when the jewellers of America sought to standardise the birthstone tradition. Modern birthstones were selected based on their marketability in large quantities. This very rationale underlies November’s dual birthstones. While Topaz was the original gem associated with this month, Citrine was later introduced as an appealing and more affordable alternative, granting individuals born in November the luxury of choice between these two stunning gems.
All About Topaz
The name “Topaz” holds a certain allure, translating to “jewel” in Latin. Some intriguingly link it to the Sanskrit word “tapas”, signifying “fire”. Let us uncover a plethora of fascinating facts and features about this exquisite gem:
- Topaz enchants with its diverse range of colours, including yellow, blue, orange, violet, pink, brown, and red.
- Renowned for its warmth, love, and affection, Topaz has held various symbolic meanings in different cultures.
- Once believed to possess mystical healing properties, Topaz was used to treat ailments like arthritis, aid digestion, and even assist in weight loss. It was also thought to safeguard homes against accidents and fires when kept within, and under a pillow, it was believed to ward off nightmares.
- Brazil stands as a prominent source of high-quality Topaz, boasting a legacy of over two centuries of mining. This lustrous gem can also be found in countries like India, Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria, Australia, the United States, Mexico, Germany, Namibia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
- With a ranking of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Topaz is resilient but requires careful handling to prevent chipping or cracking. Avoid steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners; instead, gently cleanse it with warm, soapy water. Beware of high heat or sudden temperature changes, which can lead to internal fractures. Some chemicals may also affect Topaz slightly.
- While Topaz sparkles with brilliance, lustre, and fire, it falls short of gems like diamonds with higher refractive indices. If scratched or chipped, its sparkle may wane, resulting in a faded or clouded appearance.
- Natural blue Topaz is exceptionally rare in nature. Hence, colourless Topaz is often treated with heat and irradiation to achieve its captivating blue hue.
Citrine: The Luminous November Birthstone Evoking Joy and Abundance
Citrine, the radiant November birthstone, derives its name from a French word meaning lemon, “citron”. Let us now uncover its tapestry of captivating facts and unique features:
- Citrine, a variation of quartz, showcases a wide range of hues, from pale yellow to deep, honeyed orange.
- The bright and warm colours of Citrine are believed to symbolise joy and happiness. It is thought to bring feelings of abundance and radiates a warm energy akin to the sun.
- Citrine is said to have a soothing effect on its wearer, making it an ideal gem to don during moments of stress or melancholy.
- The history of Citrine dates back to ancient Greece, where it was first discovered several hundred years ago.
- With a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale and good toughness, Citrine is generally durable for daily wear. A soapy, warm water solution can be used to safely clean it. Even though ultrasonic cleaning is usually acceptable, it’s advisable to avoid steam cleaning since high heat can cause cracks.
- Brazil currently leads as the largest producer of Citrine, often obtained from heat-treated amethyst. Citrine can also be found in France, Spain, the United States, Madagascar, Bolivia, and Russia.
- Citrine’s captivating colour has made it a popular alternative for Topaz and yellow Sapphire in various jewellery pieces, including bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. Its resemblance to Topaz often leads to confusion, with both gems displaying similar yellow-orange hues attributed to the presence of iron in the quartz crystals.
Choosing Your November Birthstone: Citrine or Topaz?
Citrine and Topaz, with their calming energies and associations with fortune and warmth, both bring a touch of radiance to the otherwise chilly and overcast month of November. Now that you have acquainted yourself with the enchanting qualities of these gemstones, the question arises: which one resonates with you?
Whether you find solace in Citrine’s golden glow or are captivated by the charisma of Topaz, both make thoughtful and meaningful gifts for November-born individuals or mothers of children born in this month. The choice lies in the personal connection you forge with these gemstones.
At Khwaahish Diamonds, we take pride in our exquisite jewellery pieces, meticulously crafted with ardour and precision. Our designer diamond jewellery in Chennai pays homage to the mesmerising November birthstones, celebrating their unique qualities. Explore our artistry and adorn yourself or a loved one with a piece that not only complements personal style but also carries the distinctive energy of November’s precious birthstones.
