November is unique among the birthstone months, boasting not one, but two recognized gemstones: topaz and citrine. These stones, often mistaken for one another due to their similar golden hues, share a rich history and captivating lore. While both offer affordability and accessibility, they possess distinct geological origins and gemological properties. This article will delve into the history, geological formation, properties, symbolism, and care of these November birthstones, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
For centuries, yellow gemstones were generally considered to be topaz, leading to a shared history between the two stones. It wasn’t until the 1930s that gemologists definitively distinguished between topaz and citrine as separate minerals. Prior to this, any yellow, brown, or orange gem was likely labeled as topaz. This historical overlap explains why both November birthstones have been associated with similar beliefs and powers throughout time.
Ancient civilizations held topaz in high regard. The ancient Greeks believed the gem bestowed strength upon its wearer. Europeans, from the 1300s to the 1600s, thought topaz could ward off magic spells and dispel anger. In India, a long-held belief suggests that wearing topaz above the heart ensures a long life, beauty, and intelligence.
Citrine also shares a history steeped in folklore. As it was often mistaken for topaz, it inherited many of the same attributed powers, including the ability to soothe tempers and calm the wearer. The name “topaz” itself may originate from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning “fire,” or from the Greek topazos, though some authorities favor the former explanation due to the soft colors often seen in finished topaz stones.
Geological Formation and Sources
Topaz is an orthorhombic fluosilicate of aluminum, forming in a variety of colors including pink, blue, lavender, yellow, orange, and, rarely, red. It can grow to substantial sizes, with some museum specimens weighing thousands of carats. A particularly large golden-brown topaz crystal, weighing 144,000 carats (63 pounds), was exhibited at the 1974 National Gem and Mineral Show in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Historically, topaz sources included locations in Russia. Today, significant deposits are found in Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Citrine, on the other hand, is a transparent yellow to brownish-orange variety of quartz. Much of the citrine available in the jewelry market is actually heat-treated amethyst, both being quartz crystals. A unique source of both amethyst and citrine found together in the same crystal is the Anahí mine, where this combination is known as ametrine. Citrine produced at the Anahí mine typically ranges in color from orange-yellow to brownish/greenish yellow.
Gemological Properties
Topaz possesses a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable, but it has poor toughness, meaning it is susceptible to chipping or cracking. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight can cause fading in some yellow-to-brown topaz gems. The birthstone’s color is generally stable to light, but sudden temperature changes should be avoided.
The vast majority of blue topaz seen today is created by treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating. The rainbow effect seen in “Mystic Topaz” is achieved by coating colorless topaz with a thin artificial film. Care should be taken when cleaning Mystic Topaz, as abrasive cleaners or buffing wheels will remove the coating.
Citrine, being a variety of quartz, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale with good toughness, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties:
| Property | Topaz | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Fluosilicate of Aluminum | Quartz |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 | 7 |
| Toughness | Poor | Good |
| Common Colors | Yellow, Blue, Orange, Pink | Yellow, Orange-Brown |
| Treatment | Irradiation, Heating, Coating | Heat Treatment (often) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both topaz and citrine are believed to possess calming energies and bring fortune and warmth to the wearer. The association with the autumn season, reflected in their golden and warm tones, further enhances their symbolic connection to November.
Topaz, historically, was thought to provide strength, dispel anger, and promote long life, beauty, and intelligence. Citrine, similarly, was believed to soothe tempers and calm the wearer. The shared history of being mistaken for one another led to a convergence of these beliefs.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of both topaz and citrine. For topaz, steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided due to the risk of chipping or cracking. Warm, soapy water is the recommended cleaning method. High heat or sudden temperature changes should also be avoided. The coating on Mystic Topaz is delicate and requires only mild soap and water for cleaning.
Citrine is more durable and can generally be cleaned safely in an ultrasonic machine, although steam cleaning is risky due to the potential for cracking from high heat. Warm, soapy water is also an effective cleaning method for citrine.
Modern and Traditional Birthstones
While topaz is consistently listed as the modern November birthstone, the traditional list also includes citrine. The Gemsociety.org notes that jewelers continue to add options to the modern birthstone chart, with spinel and tanzanite being recent additions. In the United States, individuals often choose from both the modern and traditional lists, selecting the stone that appeals to them most. Traditional gems like turquoise may be chosen due to lower cost or greater availability.
Conclusion
Topaz and citrine, the dual birthstones of November, represent a fascinating intersection of history, geology, and symbolism. From ancient beliefs in their protective powers to their modern appeal as affordable and beautiful gemstones, these stones continue to captivate and inspire. Whether one chooses the fiery brilliance of topaz or the sunny warmth of citrine, November birthdays are celebrated with a gem that embodies the spirit of the season.