November boasts not one, but two recognized birthstones: citrine and topaz. Both gems offer a vibrant spectrum of color and have been cherished for centuries, imbued with historical lore and believed to possess calming energies. While often mistaken for one another due to similarities in hue, these gemstones possess distinct origins, properties, and symbolic meanings. This article will delve into the history, geological sources, gemological characteristics, and cultural significance of both citrine and topaz, the captivating birthstones of November.
History and Lore
The history of both citrine and topaz is interwoven with tales of mistaken identity and evolving beliefs. Citrine, deriving its name from the French word for lemon ("citron"), has frequently been confused with topaz throughout history. This misidentification is noted as early as the Victorian Era, particularly in Scottish jewelry, where citrine was often used in place of the more expensive topaz. Ancient civilizations attributed various powers to both stones. The ancient Greeks believed topaz granted strength, while from the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could ward off magic spells and dispel anger. In India, wearing topaz above the heart was believed to ensure a long life, beauty, and intelligence.
Citrine, too, was believed to possess healing properties, specifically the ability to calm the wearer’s senses and pacify fiery tempers. Modern interpretations classify citrine as a stone of wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. The origins of the name “topaz” are debated, with some tracing it back to the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire,” while others link it to the Greek “topazos,” the ancient name for Zabargad Island in Egypt, though no topaz was actually found there. The discovery of Imperial topaz in Portugal in 1768 sparked a royal fascination, with both Portuguese and later Russian royalty reserving the finest colors for themselves.
The story of birthstones themselves originates in the Old Testament, with God instructing Moses to create a breastplate adorned with twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. However, the association of specific stones with specific months evolved over time, undergoing numerous revisions between the 6th and 10th centuries AD by various historians and royal figures.
Geological Formation and Sources
Citrine is a variety of quartz, its yellow to brownish-orange hues resulting from traces of iron within the stone. It is not considered a particularly rare gem, and can be found in various sizes and shapes across multiple locations. Major sources of citrine include Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay, Namibia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Topaz, on the other hand, forms in igneous rocks and is often found in alluvial deposits. Historically, Zabargad Island in Egypt was associated with the name topaz, though the gem was not actually sourced from there. Today, significant sources of topaz include Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the United States, as well as historic localities in Russia. Imperial topaz, known for its pinkish-orange color, was originally mined from Russia’s Ural Mountains.
Gemological Properties
Both citrine and topaz possess distinct gemological properties. Citrine, being a quartz variety, shares many characteristics with other quartz gems. Topaz, however, has a unique chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Citrine:
- Composition: Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
- Color: Yellow to brownish-orange
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7
- Transparency: Transparent
Topaz:
- Composition: Aluminum Silicate Fluoride Hydroxide (Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂)
- Color: Colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown, and rarely red. Blue topaz is often created through irradiation and heating of colorless topaz.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 8
- Transparency: Transparent
Topaz boasts a higher hardness than citrine, making it slightly more durable. However, topaz also has poor toughness, meaning it is more prone to chipping or cracking. The rainbow effect seen in “Mystic Topaz” is achieved through a thin artificial coating applied to colorless topaz.
Here's a comparison of the two stones on the Mohs scale:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Talc | 1 |
| Gypsum | 2 |
| Calcite | 3 |
| Fluorite | 4 |
| Apatite | 5 |
| Orthoclase | 6 |
| Quartz | 7 (Citrine) |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Corundum | 9 |
| Diamond | 10 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, both citrine and topaz have been attributed with symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. As previously mentioned, citrine is often associated with wealth, prosperity, and wisdom in modern interpretations, while historically it was believed to calm the wearer and soothe tempers. Topaz has been linked to strength, protection against magic, and the promotion of long life, beauty, and intelligence.
November, as a month, is considered by some to be a time for welcoming truth, tapping into one’s warrior spirit, and finding powers of protection. The warm colors of both citrine and topaz can serve as a reminder of light during the transition into winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of both citrine and topaz. Citrine, with its 7 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable and can withstand normal wear. Topaz, while harder, has poor toughness and requires more careful handling.
For both stones, warm, soapy water is the recommended cleaning method. Steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided for topaz, as they can cause chipping or cracking. High heat or sudden temperature changes should also be avoided with topaz, as these can lead to internal breaks. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight may cause fading in some yellow-to-brown topaz gems. Abrasive cleaners or buffing wheels should not be used on Mystic Topaz, as they will remove the coating.
Conclusion
Citrine and topaz, the dual birthstones of November, represent a captivating blend of history, geological wonder, and symbolic meaning. From ancient beliefs in their protective powers to modern associations with prosperity and wisdom, these gemstones continue to enchant and inspire. Whether chosen for their beauty, their historical significance, or their perceived metaphysical properties, citrine and topaz offer a dazzling array of options for those born in the eleventh month of the year.