There are a few different birthstones that come in shades of brown. The most well-known brown birthstone is the smoky quartz, which is the traditional birthstone for November. Some other brown birthstones include tiger’s eye, citrine, and zircon. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these different brown birthstones.
Smoky Quartz
The most notable brown birthstone is smoky quartz. Smoky quartz ranges in color from nearly black to clear brown or grayish brown shades. It gets its smoky color from natural irradiation within the earth. The brown and gray hues come from traces of aluminum present in the crystal. Smoky quartz is considered a gemstone variety of quartz.
Smoky quartz has been valued as a gemstone for centuries. The ancient Romans made engraved gems out of the stone. It was popular during the Victorian era for mourning jewelry. Today, it remains one of the most popular quartz gemstones.
Smoky quartz is the traditional birthstone for November. It’s an excellent birthstone choice for Scorpios since their zodiac dates fall in November. Smoky quartz is believed to help enhance courage, resilience, and inner calm.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s eye is another brown gemstone sometimes used in jewelry. It has banded layers of rich golden brown and black color that create a striking, cat-eye effect. The technical name for tiger’s eye is crocidolite quartz or blue asbestos. It gets its artistic tiger eye name from its resembling the iris and striped pattern of a tiger’s eye.
Tiger’s eye forms through the alteration of crocidolite. The iron in the original blue mineral gets oxidized and replaced with iron oxide-hydroxide. This process causes the original fibers to turn golden brown while retaining their parallel orientation, creating the stone’s unique banded appearance.
Tiger’s eye is popular in beadwork and cabochon cuts. It’s also used for carvings and tumbled stones. Some believe it brings good luck and protection. Tiger’s eye is considered an alternate birthstone for November.
Citrine
Citrine is a bright yellow-brown or orange-brown variety of quartz. It’s one of the most popular quartz gemstones, second only to amethyst. Most citrine used in jewelry has been heat treated to intensify its color. Natural citrine is rare and found in yellowish to brownish orange hues.
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, “citron.” Its color ranges from a light champagne to a deep amber orange. The warmer shades with strong reddish-brown hues are the most valuable.
Citrine is the birthstone for November. It’s also used as an alternate gemstone for June. Citrine is said to promote vitality and encourage generosity and optimism. Most citrine comes from Brazil, but it’s also found in Bolivia, Argentina, and Madagascar.
Zircon
Zircon is an underrated gemstone that can be found in many colors, including brown. Brown zircon is the natural color variety, while other colors come from impurities and treatments. Natural brown zircon is typically reddish brown or orangish brown in tone.
Zircon has exceptional brilliance and flashes of multicolored light. The name comes from the Persian word “zargon” meaning gold colored. Brown zircon is mainly mined in Australia, but also found in Tanzania, Nigeria, and other deposits.
Zircon is one of December’s three official birthstones along with tanzanite and turquoise. It’s an excellent birthstone for Sagittarius. Some believe zircon helps relieve pain and improve sleep. Brown zircon has an earthy, vintage look perfect for boho jewelry styles.
Other Brown Birthstones
There are a few additional brown birthstones worth mentioning:
- Sardonyx – A brown and white banded variety of onyx, it’s an August birthstone.
- Sard – A translucent orange-brown chalcedony, it’s also an August birthstone.
- Hessonite garnet – An orange-brown garnet, it’s the traditional January birthstone.
- Smoky topaz – A variety of topaz with brown and gray coloring, also for November.
While not official modern birthstones, these gems have been used and valued since ancient times. They offer unique brown and orange-brown birthstone choices.
Are Brown Gemstones Popular?
Brown gemstones like smoky quartz and citrine have maintained steady popularity over the years. However, some people have the misconception that brown gems are less valuable or desirable than other colored stones.
In fact, natural brown gems can be quite rare and valuable. For example, fine red-brown padparadscha sapphires can be more expensive than blue sapphires. Brown diamonds also rank among the most coveted fancy color diamonds.
Brown gems offer warm, inviting colors that work beautifully in jewelry of all styles. They have an earthy, natural look and complement many skin tones. More people are appreciating and embracing the beauty of brown gemstones.
Are Brown Birthstones Just for Men?
Traditionally, brown and orange-brown gems were associated with men’s jewelry. However, gender norms have changed and women today wear all colors of birthstones.
While brown birthstones like smoky quartz and citrine were once marketed heavily to men, they’re now popular among all genders. Their versatility makes them suitable for both feminine and masculine jewelry styles.
Brown birthstones pair well with white metals like sterling silver, platinum, and white gold. They also complement rose gold tones. Their earthy hues match with casual, everyday looks but also have sophisticated style for elegant occasions.
How to Wear and Care for Brown Birthstones
Here are some tips for wearing and caring for brown birthstone jewelry:
- Protect from sharp blows and scratches. Brown stones like smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, and citrine are relatively durable for everyday wear. But try to avoid rough handling that could chip or fracture them.
- Clean with warm soapy water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub behind the stone. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- Take off before physical activities. The movements and impacts involved in sports, housework, gardening, etc. can damage softer gems over time.
- Store carefully and separately. Wrap pieces in soft fabric and don’t let gemstones rub together in storage. This protects from scratches and chips.
With proper care, brown birthstone jewelry can last a lifetime while maintaining its natural beauty. The warm, calming energy of these brown gems will continue blessing the wearer.
Buying Tips for Brown Birthstones
Here are some things to look for when purchasing brown birthstone jewelry:
- Color – Preference varies, but look for a pure hue without too much lightening, graying or secondary tones. An “oily” look signifies quality especially for tiger’s eye and smoky quartz.
- Clarity – Some visible inclusions are expected but avoid heavily flawed stones with cracks or large dark spots.
- Cut – Well-executed faceting enhances brilliance. Cabochons display striking banding effects in stones like tiger’s eye.
- Carat – Larger brown gems tend to be more valuable. But opt for quality over size when budget is a concern.
- Setting – Prong or bezel settings protect vulnerable corners/edges. Match metal color to complement the brown stone’s tone.
- Reputation – Deal only with reputable jewelers and ask about gemstone sources and any treatments.
Shopping with an educated eye can help you find the perfect brown birthstone jewelry to become a treasured keepsake.
Brown Birthstones by Month
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major brown birthstones associated with each month:
| Month | Brown Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Hessonite Garnet |
| June | Citrine |
| August | Sardonyx, Sard |
| November | Smoky Quartz, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye |
| December | Zircon |
Having a range of brown birthstones for each month provides unique options whether shopping for yourself or gifting a loved one.
Conclusion
Brown gemstones make beautiful, meaningful birthstone choices. Smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, citrine, and zircon are some of the top brown birthstones. They offer warm, soothing hues that work for all genders and styles.
Look for quality when shopping for brown birthstone jewelry. With proper care, these gems can be cherished forever as symbols of someone’s birth month. Brown birthstones are full of natural beauty and personality for a special, earthy addition to any jewelry collection.
