Happy November: Birthstones Citrine and Topaz
The lucky November babies have warm autumnal-colored birthstones in the form of citrine and topaz.
Citrine, a quartz gem, comes to market in a range of golden honey yellows to a rich, maple-syrup hue. Citrine has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and was believed to quiet a temper and bring calm to the wearer. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed citrine could manifest desires, so the gem was kept as a talisman, carved into small statues, and worn assiduously.
Citrine’s close cousin is the amethyst, the rich purple quartz that is such a beloved jewelry gem. In fact, most citrine now on the market is heated amethyst, although the two colors can appear side by side in nature. One cool gem I when I find a good one, is ametrine, a mixture of the amethyst purple and citrine’s golden yellow. So, citrine and amethyst are both, quartz, but different colors.
Image courtesy KC Colored Gems
Ametrine pendant by Diana Widman
Topaz Birthstone Meaning & History
According to my research at GIA, “The variety of topaz hues includes colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and, very rarely, red.” Citrine and topaz are two separate species.
“Most blue topaz seen today is the permanent result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating. Blue topaz is very popular, offering bright, dramatic pops of the world’s favorite color for a reasonable price.
This November birthstone was long thought to have many benefits, almost a multipurpose gem. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. From the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. “For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence,” according to GIA. This gemstone was also thought to cure insomnia, warn someone of poisoned food and drink, and provide clear thinking. I guess everyone needs a topaz in their stash!
This brooch holds both Imperial topaz and light citrine.
From the Jewellery Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Topaz naturally appears in golden shades (sometimes confused with citrine,) clear white, pale pink and the most coveted orange-pink color, which the trade calls “Imperial topaz.” Imperial can also be pink to purple and sometimes, red. The Imperial designation has different stories of royal attachment to this stone, so I’ll leave that topic alone.
You might also hear the term “Precious” topaz, which refers to yellow-orange hues.