The month of November is unique in the world of birthstones, possessing not one, but two recognized gems: topaz and citrine. Both have a rich history intertwined with ancient beliefs and, for a period, were often mistaken for one another. This article will explore the origins, gemological properties, historical significance, and modern understanding of these November birthstones, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The association of gemstones with specific months is a practice that evolved over centuries. Its roots lie in biblical times, with the twelve gemstones adorning the breastplate of Aaron believed to correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, connections were made between these gems and the signs of the zodiac, with the idea that each stone offered unique powers during its corresponding astrological period. Initially, individuals aimed to collect and wear all twelve gems throughout the year for therapeutic benefits or as talismans. The practice of assigning a single gem to each month, and focusing on the stone associated with one’s birth month, emerged between the 16th and 18th centuries, originating in Poland. A standardized list of “modern birthstones” was then released in the United States in 1912.
Citrine, the transparent yellow to brownish-orange variety of quartz, has been utilized in jewelry for millennia. Its history is notably linked with topaz, as the two were frequently misidentified. Consequently, beliefs surrounding citrine often mirrored those attributed to topaz, with people believing it could soothe tempers and calm the wearer.
Topaz also boasts a long and storied past. Ancient Greeks believed it bestowed the gift of prophecy and protection from disease, while Europeans considered it a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. For centuries, topaz was thought to embody the virtues of all colored stones.
Gemological Properties
Citrine is a variety of quartz, and its color ranges from transparent yellow to brownish orange. Topaz, with a Mohs hardness of 8, demonstrates good hardness but relatively poor toughness, requiring care to avoid chipping or cracking. Topaz’s color is generally stable to light, though prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight may cause fading in some yellow-to-brown specimens. It can also be slightly affected by certain chemicals. A notable treatment applied to topaz is known as “Mystic Topaz,” which involves a coating that can be removed by abrasive cleaners or buffing wheels, necessitating gentle cleaning with mild soap and water.
Sardonyx, a less commonly discussed birthstone, is composed of two types of cryptocrystalline quartz, exhibiting parallel stripes of white or black and rusty red. The red bands originate from sard (carnelian), while onyx forms the contrasting color. Its reliable banding makes it ideal for carving.
Sources and Geographic Origins
Topaz is currently sourced from several locations worldwide, including Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the United States, and historic Russian localities.
Citrine’s origins are not specifically detailed in the provided sources beyond its classification as a quartz variety.
Opal, an October birthstone mentioned in relation to the evolution of birthstone lists, is believed to have originated in India, where it was called upala in Sanskrit, meaning “precious stone.”
Spinel, a more recently designated August birthstone, is noted for its tendency to occur in the same mines as ruby, leading to historical confusion between the two gems. It possesses a cubic crystal structure, often displaying twinning crystals, and tends to be a consistent color throughout.
Historical Confusion and Identification
Throughout history, several gemstones have been misidentified due to similarities in appearance and co-occurrence in mining locations. Red spinel was frequently mistaken for ruby, earning it nicknames like “ruby spinel,” “balas ruby,” and “rubicelle.” Similarly, citrine and topaz were often confused, leading to a shared history of attributed powers and beliefs. The ability to accurately distinguish between these gems required advancements in modern gemological practices. A key distinction between spinel and ruby lies in their crystal structure; spinel exhibits a cubic structure (like garnet and diamond), while rubies are dichromatic, displaying different hues when viewed from different angles.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ancient cultures attributed various powers and meanings to these gemstones. The ancient Egyptians referred to peridot as “the gem of the sun.” Roman soldiers wore sardonyx engraved with figures of Hercules or Mars, believing it would imbue them with bravery and daring. Bedouins believed opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms.
While the sources do not delve deeply into modern metaphysical beliefs, they highlight the historical significance of gemstones as talismans and objects believed to offer protection, good fortune, and therapeutic benefits.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz requires careful handling to avoid chipping or cracking. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided. Warm, soapy water is the recommended cleaning method. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight may cause fading in some yellow-to-brown topaz gems. The coating on Mystic Topaz requires particularly gentle cleaning with mild soap, as abrasive cleaners will remove it.
Citrine’s care is not specifically addressed in the provided sources.
Sardonyx and its Historical Uses
Sardonyx, due to its reliable banding, was historically favored by gemstone carvers for creating cameos and signets. Carved sardonyx artifacts have been discovered in Mesopotamia, early Europe, Hebrew temples, and as wax seals in ancient Greece and Rome. The Romans believed sardonyx acted as a talisman, offering protection and good fortune.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The concept of birthstones has evolved significantly over time. What began as a practice of wearing all twelve gems throughout the year for their perceived benefits gradually shifted to assigning a single gem to each month. The modern lists of birthstones, both traditional and modern, reflect this evolution and provide consumers with a choice of gems to commemorate their birthdays.
Conclusion
November’s birthstones, topaz and citrine, represent a fascinating intersection of history, gemology, and cultural belief. Their shared past of mistaken identity and the enduring symbolism associated with both gems underscore the enduring allure of these November treasures. The evolution of birthstone lists, from ancient origins to modern standardization, highlights the ongoing human fascination with the power and beauty of gemstones.