For those born in November, the question of a singular birthstone is surprisingly complex. While topaz is widely recognized as the primary November birthstone, citrine holds a significant place as an alternative, and historical accounts reveal a fascinating array of other gemstones associated with this autumnal month. The story of November’s birthstones is one of evolving traditions, commercial influences, and even ancient misidentifications, spanning millennia and multiple cultures. This article will delve into the history, lore, and gemological details of topaz and citrine, alongside the lesser-known gemstones that have, at various times, been considered representative of November.
A Shifting History of November’s Gemstones
The assignment of birthstones has a long and convoluted history, originating with the ancient Hebrews who connected the twelve stones in the High Priest Aaron’s breastplate to the twelve months of the year and the twelve tribes of Israel. This association, initially recorded in the 2nd century BC Greek translation of the Old Testament, did not align with the modern calendar, as January was not yet the first month. Between the 6th and 10th centuries AD, numerous revisions to the birthstone list occurred, influenced by various writers, historians, and even royal figures.
Topaz’s association with November is remarkably consistent, appearing on birthstone lists from roughly the 6th century onward. However, even this long-standing tradition wasn’t without its origins in potential error. Scholars suggest the switch from amethyst to topaz may have been the result of a copying mistake, a translation issue, or an intentional edit occurring between the original Greek translation and the work of Isadore, Bishop of Seville, in the late 6th century. Despite this uncertainty, topaz maintained its position as the November birthstone for centuries, even when other gemstones experienced frequent changes in their assigned months.
The National Association of Jewelers standardized the birthstone list in 1912, retaining topaz as the November stone. However, the 20th century brought another shift with the introduction of citrine as an alternate in 1952. This addition was largely driven by commercial factors. Jewelers discovered a method to heat-treat amethyst, transforming it into citrine, creating an abundant and affordable supply of a yellow gemstone.
Beyond Topaz and Citrine: Exploring Historical Alternatives
The story doesn’t end with topaz and citrine. Ancient traditions and differing cultural practices offer a wider range of November birthstones. The Zodiac, originating with the Babylonians around 3000 BCE, assigns different gemstones based on the two signs that fall within November: Scorpio (October 24th – November 22nd) and Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st). Scorpio is associated with aquamarine, while Sagittarius is linked to topaz.
The Moorish Zodiac, a practice passed down through Arab traders dating back to the 6th century AD, further diversifies the options. It assigns garnet to Scorpio and emerald to Sagittarius. Even within the Hindu Zodiac, cat’s eye gemstones are considered representative of November. These diverse associations highlight the cultural and historical fluidity of birthstone traditions.
Topaz: A Golden Legacy
Topaz, the primary November birthstone, boasts a history of over 1500 years of association with the month. It is celebrated for its array of colors, ranging from yellow and orange to red, pink, and even purple. While golden topaz is particularly cherished, blue topaz, often achieved through treatment, is also a popular choice. The rarest and most valuable variety is Imperial topaz, known for its stunning golden to orange-red hue.
The colors representing November often include warm yellow to golden orange, mirroring the shades of both citrine and Imperial topaz, symbolizing warmth, positivity, and energy.
Citrine: From Amethyst to November’s Alternate
Citrine’s journey to becoming a November birthstone is a fascinating tale of gemological innovation and commercial adaptation. Natural citrine is relatively rare, but the discovery of a method to heat-treat amethyst to create citrine in 1952 dramatically increased its availability. This process transforms the iron inclusions within amethyst, changing the stone’s color from purple to the warm hues characteristic of citrine.
Before the advent of reliable gemstone identification techniques, topaz was often used as a general term for any yellow or golden gemstone. Consequently, some of the “topaz” worn as November birthstones throughout history was likely actually citrine. Furthermore, since amethyst was originally considered the November birthstone, and citrine originates from amethyst, a case can be made for citrine’s legitimate claim to the title.
Gemological Properties: A Comparison
While both topaz and citrine are valued gemstones, they possess distinct gemological properties.
| Property | Topaz | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂ | SiO₂ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 | 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 3.49 – 3.57 | 2.65 |
| Refractive Index | 1.606 – 1.627 | 1.543 – 1.553 |
| Color | Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue | Yellow to brownish-orange |
Topaz, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, is a relatively durable gemstone, while citrine, at 7, is slightly less resistant to scratching. Both gemstones are relatively stable and require similar care.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, both topaz and citrine have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Topaz has been associated with strength, intelligence, and longevity. It was believed to ward off negativity and promote clear thinking. Citrine, often called the “merchant’s stone,” was thought to attract wealth and prosperity. It was also believed to enhance creativity and promote optimism. The specific meanings attributed to each gemstone can vary depending on cultural context and individual beliefs.
Care and Cleaning
Both topaz and citrine are relatively easy to care for. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the gemstones. Due to its slightly lower hardness, citrine may be more susceptible to scratches and should be handled with care. Regular cleaning will help maintain the brilliance and beauty of both stones.
Conclusion
The story of November’s birthstones is a testament to the evolving nature of tradition and the interplay between history, commerce, and cultural beliefs. While topaz remains the widely recognized November birthstone, citrine’s inclusion as an alternative, along with the historical significance of other gemstones like aquamarine, garnet, and emerald, offers a rich and multifaceted perspective. Whether one chooses topaz, citrine, or another gemstone associated with November, each stone carries a unique history and symbolism, making it a meaningful and cherished possession.