November, a month of transition and reflection, is symbolized by two gemstones—citrine and topaz. These two stones, often mistaken for one another due to their similar warm hues, hold a rich historical and cultural significance that dates back centuries. While topaz has long been the traditional November birthstone, citrine was added to the list in the 20th century, offering a more affordable and widely available alternative. This article delves into the history, properties, symbolism, and care of these two November birthstones, drawing on a wealth of historical and gemological knowledge.
A Historical Journey
The Origins of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with the earliest references found in the Bible. In the Book of Exodus, the High Priest Aaron's breastplate was adorned with twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This list, though not tied to the modern calendar, laid the foundation for the idea that gemstones could be associated with specific periods or individuals.
By the 1st and 5th centuries, the notion of assigning gemstones to each month of the year began to take shape. Topaz was designated for November in these early systems, a tradition that persisted for centuries. Wearing one's birthstone became a popular practice by the 16th century, and the modern standardized list of birthstones emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1870, Tiffany & Co. published a set of "Gregorian Birthstone Poems," which included topaz for November. The first standardized list of birthstones, created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers (now known as Jewellers of America), also listed topaz as the November birthstone. A similar list was published in 1937 by the National Association of Goldsmiths. However, in 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America revised the 1912 list to include citrine alongside topaz, likely due to its greater availability and affordability.
Citrine’s Historical Role
Citrine, a variety of quartz, has a long and storied history in its own right. Known for its vibrant yellow to brownish-orange color, citrine has been used in jewelry since ancient times. It is often referred to as citrine quartz and is sometimes mistaken for topaz due to its similar appearance and warm tones. In fact, citrine has historically shared a history of mistaken identities with topaz, with people believing it to possess the same powers as its more expensive counterpart.
One notable historical example of citrine's use is found in an ancient Roman glyptic, where the head of Faustina was carved from citrine and later restored in gold during the 16th century. This artifact is now displayed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Florence. The use of citrine in ancient Roman art and jewelry underscores its enduring appeal and significance.
The Debate Over Authenticity
The designation of citrine as a November birthstone has sparked some debate among gemologists and historians. Some argue that topaz has a more established historical claim to the title. This debate is rooted in the evolution of birthstone lists over centuries, with various writers, historians, and even members of royal families contributing to the changes.
For example, the original list of birthstones in the Old Testament, as translated from Hebrew to Greek in the 2nd century BC, does not correspond to the modern calendar. The months were not in the correct order, and January did not become the first month of the year until the 17th century. This historical context complicates the direct assignment of gemstones to modern months.
Further complicating the matter is the work of Mornay of Anglesey, a member of the Kingdom of Caid of the Society for Creative Anachronism, who has conducted extensive research into the historical accuracy of birthstone lists. His findings suggest that the designation of topaz as the November birthstone has a more solid historical foundation than citrine.
Despite these debates, both citrine and topaz have become widely accepted as November birthstones, with the UK list recognizing only topaz, while the US list includes both.
Geological Formation and Sources
Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It is known for its clarity and hardness, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale. The most common colors of topaz include colorless, yellow, orange, pink, violet, and brown. The yellow-to-brown variety is often referred to as "golden topaz" and is the traditional November birthstone.
The majority of blue topaz available today is the result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heat. This process creates the blue hues seen in many modern topaz jewelry pieces. Additionally, "Mystic Topaz" is a term used for topaz that has been coated with a thin film to create a rainbow effect. While these treatments are common, they require special care to maintain the stone's appearance.
Topaz is found in various parts of the world, with significant sources in Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Historically, Russia was a notable source of topaz, and some of the finest specimens have come from these regions.
Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz, with the chemical formula SiO₂. It ranges in color from a pale yellow to a deep brownish-orange. The most desirable and valuable citrine is the deep, rich yellow known as "Madeira citrine," which can resemble the color of fine wine.
Citrine is formed through natural processes involving the cooling of magma, which allows quartz crystals to grow. It is often found in geodes and is a common byproduct of other gemstone mining operations. Brazil is the largest source of citrine, followed by Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.
The widespread availability of citrine has made it a popular alternative to topaz for November birthstone jewelry. Its durability, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, makes it suitable for everyday wear.
Gemological Properties
Topaz
Topaz is a hard gemstone, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratches. However, despite its hardness, topaz has poor toughness and is prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to impact. This characteristic necessitates careful handling and appropriate setting methods to ensure the stone's longevity.
The refractive index of topaz ranges from 1.61 to 1.63, with a birefringence of 0.016 to 0.018. This means that topaz has a moderate amount of double refraction, which can be observed in certain lighting conditions. The stone is also pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Topaz is generally stable under normal conditions, but it is sensitive to high heat and sudden temperature changes, which can cause internal fractures. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also lead to fading in some yellow-to-brown topaz varieties. Additionally, topaz may be affected by certain chemicals, making it important to avoid harsh cleaning agents.
Citrine
Citrine, as a variety of quartz, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it slightly less hard than topaz but still suitable for everyday wear. It is also a durable gemstone, with good resistance to scratches and chips. Citrine has a refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553 and is not pleochroic, meaning it does not display different colors from different angles.
One of the key differences between citrine and topaz is their chemical composition. Citrine is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), while topaz is a silicate of aluminum and fluorine. This difference in composition leads to variations in their physical and optical properties.
Citrine is also known for its transparency, with the best specimens being completely clear. However, lower-quality citrine may have inclusions or cloudiness. The most valuable citrine is the deep yellow or orange variety, which is often referred to as "Madeira citrine" due to its resemblance to the color of Madeira wine.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Topaz
Topaz has long been associated with warmth, clarity, and strength. In ancient times, it was believed to have the power to enhance strength and intellect, and to ward off enchantments and poisons. It was also thought to bring good luck and happiness, and to help in the treatment of ailments of the stomach and liver.
In modern times, topaz is often associated with love and friendship. It is said to promote harmony and understanding in relationships and to help resolve conflicts. The stone is also believed to have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Topaz is also linked to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which is ruled by the month of November. In this context, topaz is said to enhance the traits of Sagittarius, such as optimism, adventure, and a love of freedom.
Citrine
Citrine is often referred to as the "stone of abundance" and is associated with prosperity, success, and positive energy. It is believed to attract wealth and to help in manifesting one's desires. Citrine is also known as the "sun stone," as its warm color is reminiscent of the sun's rays.
In metaphysical traditions, citrine is said to promote self-confidence, creativity, and personal power. It is also believed to help in the elimination of negative thoughts and emotions, making it a popular stone for meditation and personal growth.
Citrine is also associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius and is said to enhance the traits of optimism and adventure. It is also linked to the chakras, particularly the solar plexus and crown chakras, which are associated with personal power and spiritual awareness.
Care and Cleaning
Topaz
Due to its hardness and poor toughness, topaz requires careful handling and cleaning. It is important to avoid exposing the stone to high heat or sudden temperature changes, as this can cause internal fractures. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause fading in some yellow-to-brown topaz varieties.
When cleaning topaz, it is best to use warm, soapy water. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, as they can damage the stone. Topaz may also be affected by certain chemicals, so it is important to avoid using harsh cleaning agents.
For topaz treated with coatings, such as Mystic Topaz, it is especially important to avoid abrasive cleaners or buffing wheels, as these can remove the coating. Only a mild soap solution should be used to clean these treated stones.
Citrine
Citrine is a durable gemstone that is relatively easy to care for. Its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale makes it resistant to scratches, but it is still important to handle it with care to avoid chipping or cracking.
Cleaning citrine can be done with warm, soapy water. It is not necessary to avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these do not typically pose a risk to citrine. However, it is important to avoid exposing the stone to harsh chemicals, as these can cause discoloration or damage.
Citrine is also sensitive to high heat, so it is best to avoid exposing it to prolonged direct sunlight or other sources of intense heat. This can cause the stone to fade or lose its color over time.
Conclusion
November is a month of transition and reflection, and its two birthstones—topaz and citrine—embody these themes with their warm hues and rich histories. Topaz, with its long-standing association with November, has been cherished for centuries for its strength, clarity, and positive energy. Citrine, added to the list in the 20th century, offers a more accessible and widely available alternative, with its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties.
Both gemstones have a fascinating geological and cultural background, with topaz found in a variety of locations around the world and citrine being particularly abundant in Brazil. Their gemological properties, including hardness, refractive index, and chemical composition, make them suitable for a range of jewelry applications, from rings and pendants to bracelets and cufflinks.
In terms of symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, both topaz and citrine are associated with warmth, positivity, and personal power. They are believed to enhance relationships, promote harmony, and attract abundance. Whether worn for their historical significance, their aesthetic appeal, or their metaphysical properties, these November birthstones continue to captivate and inspire.
As we continue to appreciate the beauty and significance of these gemstones, it is important to remember the care and handling required to preserve their appearance and longevity. With proper care, topaz and citrine can be enjoyed for generations, serving as enduring symbols of the month of November and its many meanings.