November is a month that has not one but two beautiful gemstones associated with it – topaz and citrine. Both these stones make for gorgeous birthstone jewelry and have their own unique histories and symbolic meanings. But why does November get two birthstones when other months just have one? Let’s explore the reasons behind this and learn more about these brilliant gems.
The history of birthstones
The tradition of birthstones – specific gems associated with each month of the year – dates back thousands of years. Some sources trace it as far back as biblical times. Scholars believe the breastplate worn by Aaron, the high priest of the Israelites, may have contained 12 different gems to represent each of the 12 tribes. Ancient Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and Hindu texts also linked certain gems to zodiac signs and calendar months. However, the meaning and symbolism varied across cultures.
By the 15th-16th centuries, Polish tradition assigned specific stones to months according to beliefs about their powers and influences. The Polish list contained many of the modern birthstones we recognize today. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers released an official birthstone list that standardized the tradition in the United States. This list has gone through a few revisions but remains widely accepted today.
Topaz – the traditional November gem
On the traditional birthstone list, topaz is designated as the sole November birthstone. Topaz is a silicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, but the most prized hue is a rich golden orange-yellow. The name “topaz” comes from Topazios, the ancient Greek island where the stone was first mined. According to legend, topaz had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Hindus associated topaz with the sun god Surya, believing it brought wisdom and longevity.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue | Love and affection |
| Pink | Love and affection |
| Red | Passion and strength |
| Yellow | Wisdom, strength and intellect |
The most common topaz colors today are blue, yellow and pink. Each hue carries different symbolic meaning, as shown in the table above. But golden orange topaz remains the traditional November birthstone.
Adding citrine as a modern November birthstone
Citrine is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to golden brown. Its warm, sunny colors and affordable price have made it popular in jewelry. The name citrine comes from the French word “citron” meaning lemon. This refers to its lemon-like color.
Like other quartzes, citrine has been used since ancient times. But it only became established as a separate gemstone in the 19th century. Before then, citrine was often confused with topaz due to their similar appearance. In fact, the jewelers of the Georgian era referred to golden topaz as “Spanish topaz” when it was likely actually citrine mined in Spain.
So when did citrine join topaz as a November birthstone? The jewelers’ association revised the birthstone list again in 1952. This was when citrine was officially added as an alternate November gem. Prior to this, yellow topaz or even smoky quartz were proposed alternate stones for November. Adding citrine helped eliminate the confusion between it and topaz.
How to tell topaz and citrine apart
Despite their resemblances, there are some key differences between topaz and citrine:
| Topaz | Citrine |
|---|---|
| Silicate mineral | Variety of quartz |
| Hardness of 8 | Hardness of 7 |
| Faceted or smooth | Faceted |
| Found in various colors | Limited to yellow/brown hues |
| Higher refractive index | Lower refractive index |
The key distinguishing traits are:
- Topaz is a separate mineral, citrine is a type of quartz
- Topaz measures 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, citrine is slightly softer at 7
- Topaz has a higher refractive index so shows more “fire”
- Topaz can occur in many colors outside of yellow/orange hues
Visually, professionally cleaned topaz tends to have a pure orange and more vibrant color compared to citrine’s golden brown tones. But testing may be needed to confirm the gem species in jewelry.
The meanings and powers of November’s birthstones
Let’s look closer at the legendary powers and symbolic meanings of these November birthstones:
Topaz
- Associated with the sun, strength and healing
- Thought to dispel negativity and promote openness
- Represents friendship, fidelity and lasting love
- Blue topaz especially resonates with calmness and wisdom
Citrine
- Known as the “success stone” – attracts abundance and prosperity
- Heightens self-esteem, confidence and personal power
- Boosts creativity, mental clarity and willpower
- Warm sunny color embodies happiness, positivity and joy
So in summary, topaz promises strength and enduring relationships. Citrine manifests success, creativity and positivity. Both are perfect energizing birthstones for November babies or anyone needing an optimistic boost as the seasons change.
How to wear and care for November birthstones
When shopping for topaz or citrine jewelry, here are some tips for selecting high quality pieces:
- Look for fine color saturation and tone based on type
- Check for flaws, cracks, or cloudiness under a loupe
- High clarity stones with few inclusions show the best color
- Well cut facets enhance the “fire” and brilliance
- Stones should be properly set securely in the mounting
- Pieces with mirage cuts or mixed cuts maximize visual appeal
Take care to store topaz and citrine safely since they can be prone to damage. Keep them away from sharp blows, pressure, and sudden temperature changes. Remove jewelry before strenuous activity and household chemicals or cleaners. With occasional cleaning, these November birthstones can remain sparkling and beautiful for many years to come.
Where topaz and citrine are sourced
Historically, the best quality golden topaz came from Brazil. Important sources today include:
- Brazil
- Sri Lanka
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russia
Most citrine on the market originates from quartz-rich Brazil as well. Other major sources are:
- Spain
- Bolivia
- Argentina
- African countries like Madagascar and Zambia
A small amount of citrine is produced by heat treating other varieties of quartz, like amethyst or smoky quartz, to produce golden colors. But true natural citrine does exist and remains on the rarer side.
Conclusion
November is one of only two months (the other being December) that is gifted with multiple birthstones – topaz and citrine. Both gems showcase warm golden hues perfect for fall and complementing the colors of turning leaves.
Lovely yellow topaz is the traditional birthstone with historical significance across many cultures. Citrine joined more recently as an affordable and striking November alternate. Despite their resemblances, these are two distinct gemstones with their own special properties.
Those lucky enough to be born in November are spoiled with the choice of two sunny, uplifting gemstone options. Whether you gravitate to the bold fire of topaz or the cheerful brightness of citrine, these make wonderful statement pieces to add sparking joy. Any November baby or topaz/citrine lover will delight in the energy and elegance of these gems for years to come.
