Topaz and Citrine - November's Birthstones
Topaz and Citrine, the birthstones of November
“Firm friendship is November’s, and she bears true love beneath the topaz she wears.”
- Unknown
Welcome to November! A new month turns on the calendar, and with that change comes a new set of birthstones, topaz and citrine.
~ An assortment of topaz and citrine, photo curtesy of Stuller
These two gemstones are known for golden hues, but there’s much more to them than that!
The modern name ‘topaz’ is thought to be named after a small island in the Red Sea, known once as Topazios, a Greek word, (Τοπάζιος) and now more commonly referred to as Zabargad or St. John’s Island.
Others claim the name comes from a Sanskrit word ‘tapas’, meaning ‘fire’.
~ Topaz pendant showcasing the mix of golden hues
Topaz was often grouped with other gemstones in ancient times, such as peridot, chrysolite and even quartz, like citrine. This makes some stories and lore difficult to discern.
The Greeks believed topaz was a stone of strength and endurance. In India, the stone was thought to be energizing, with its powers being especially strong when worn near the heart.
Topaz is also the gemstone linked to Sagittarius, the archer, in the Zodiac.
~ Earrings by Amali Jewelry
While topaz can come in many colors, the name may commonly conjure an image of a honey-yellow color, the traditional hue associated with the birthstone for November.
Treatments can enhance or even change the color of a topaz, leading to the popular Swiss blue and London blue colors, which have become another option for those born in this month.
~ Swiss blue topaz rings by Stanton Color
The original golden hue can sometimes have hints of red, leading to a warm, fiery undertone. The finest of these stones are a rare mix of hues, and are called Imperial Topaz.
And still other colors like green, pink and no color at all, are possible.
Topaz is often an eye-clean crystal, with depth and shine in any color. It’s hard not to be drawn to a topaz!
~ London blue topaz earrings
The other gemstone of November is citrine, the yellow member of the quartz family.
From sunny yellow, lemon color, to dark orange and even brown, this stone offers another option for a birthstone that still feels like fall.
Citrine’s name is believed to be derived from ‘citron’, the French word for ‘lemon’.
~ Citrine earrings
Citrine has been called the ‘merchant’s stone’ since time immemorial; where this belief first started is up for debate, but it’s a story that has spread far and wide!
These golden gemstones were thought to attract wealth, success and abundance. Many merchants would travel with a citrine, sometimes even in their coffers, in the hopes it would help with business and multiple their money.
Like other quartz gemstones, citrine was used in jewelry and adornments by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.
Given the cheery color of citrine, it’s no surprise it is often associated with positive energy.
~ Citrine pendant by Stanton Color
These two birthstones are both plentiful, and can come in large sizes, leading to many options when styling for jewelry.
Each of these chosen jewels for November mimic the month well; from peaks of bright blue skies before dark, to the last autumn leaves of gold before winter.
It you are looking for a warm treat as the seasons grow colder, you might think of adding a topaz or a citrine to your collection!
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~ Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager