November boasts not one, but two recognized birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both gemstones offer a warm, inviting glow, reflecting the transitional nature of the month as it moves towards winter in the Northern Hemisphere. While topaz holds a longer historical association with November, citrine has gained prominence as a readily available and increasingly popular alternative. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of these captivating November birthstones, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The history of topaz extends back centuries, with its name potentially originating from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning “fire,” or the Greek topazos. Ancient Greeks believed topaz bestowed strength upon its wearer, while Europeans from the 1300s to the 1600s considered it a safeguard against magic spells and a dispeller of anger. In India, wearing topaz above the heart was thought to ensure a long life, beauty, and intelligence.
Citrine’s history is more closely tied to its relatively recent recognition as a November birthstone. The Jewelers of America likely expanded the birthstone options to broaden the market, leading to the acceptance of citrine alongside topaz. Historically, citrine was often used as a substitute for yellow sapphire, and its association with prosperity and abundance dates back to ancient times.
Geological Formation and Sources
Topaz typically forms within fractures in igneous rocks, created as magma cools and crystals develop. The presence of fluorine in the cooling magma is crucial for topaz formation. Natural topaz sources are found across the globe, including Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, Scotland, Pakistan, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Within the United States, topaz can be found in California and Colorado.
Citrine’s origins are somewhat unique. While it is a variety of quartz, making naturally occurring citrine relatively rare, much of the citrine available today is created by heat-treating smoky quartz. This practice is widely accepted within the gem industry and often occurs on-site at mines. The primary source of quartz for both natural and heat-treated citrine is Brazil.
Gemological Properties
Topaz
Topaz exhibits a remarkable range of colors, including colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown, and, very rarely, red. The blue topaz commonly seen today is often the result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating. A rainbow effect, known as “Mystic Topaz,” is achieved by coating colorless topaz with a thin artificial film.
Citrine
Citrine is recognized for its sparkling yellow and orange hues, stemming from the presence of small amounts of iron within the quartz structure. All yellow and orange quartz specimens are classified as citrine.
While a detailed table of gemological properties is not available within the provided sources, the following can be inferred:
| Property | Topaz | Citrine (Quartz) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Varied (blue, yellow, orange, etc.) | Yellow to orange |
| Composition | Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide | Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) |
| Treatment | Irradiation, heating, coating | Heat treatment (often from smoky quartz) |
| Sources | Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, etc. | Brazil (primarily) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both topaz and citrine are associated with calming energies and the potential to bring fortune and warmth to the wearer. Topaz, historically, was believed to strengthen the mind and increase wisdom. It was also thought to prevent weak eyes, insomnia, and asthma, and even ward off sudden death. In India, wearing topaz above the heart was believed to ensure long life, beauty, and wisdom.
Citrine is linked to feelings of self-realization and calm, making it a suitable stone for those prone to worry or anxiety. Turquoise, also mentioned as a November birthstone for Scorpio and Sagittarius, is believed to offer protection and promote self-esteem and emotional stability. Chryospase, another November stone, encourages open-mindedness and acceptance.
The sources also mention a broader range of stones associated with the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius for November, including Turquoise, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, Beryl, Aquamarine, and Garnet, highlighting the complex and varied traditions surrounding birthstones.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care instructions for either topaz or citrine. However, given that both are varieties of quartz (in the case of citrine) or a silicate mineral (topaz), general guidelines for gemstone care apply. These gemstones should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as these could potentially damage the stones.
The Two Faces of November
The existence of two birthstones for November is attributed to a desire by the Jewelers of America to expand the available options within the birthstone market. This decision resulted in the recognition of both topaz and citrine as November birthstones, offering individuals a choice based on preference and availability. The traditional color representation of November stems from the yellow-orange hues of Imperial Topaz and the sunny tones of Citrine.