Two gemstones, citrine and topaz, are related to November birthdays. Citrine is thought to be a healing gemstone and its warm color is regarded to be a gift from the sun. Topaz comes in a number of rich colors, including blue, pink, and yellow, but its deep orange Imperial Topaz color is the most sought-after.
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Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?
Although Citrine replaced Topaz as the official birthstone for November in the early 1910s after jewelers discovered that adding heat and pressure to amethyst would enable it to become yellow, Topaz is still the traditional birthstone for November due to the rarity of yellow Topaz. Iron imperfections in the gem’s structure are what give it its magnificent color. One of the most well-liked and commonly bought yellow gemstones is this one.
What is the History about the November Birthstones?
Some people think the Sanskrit word tapas, which meaning “fire,” is where the word “topaz” originates. Some attribute it to the Greek topazos. It has long been believed that the birthstone for November has several advantages. Topaz was thought to give power by the ancient Greeks. Given for the thirteenth wedding anniversary, citrine, which is thought to have descended from the French word for “lemon” (citron), has a history of being confused with topaz. People thus believed that citrine possessed the same abilities as topaz. The citrine gemstone was thought to calm the person and settle their anger.
What is the November Birthstone Color?
Topaz and citrine are the two birthstone possibilities for people born in November. Golden yellow is the hue of the birthstone for November. Although topaz comes in a range of hues, yellow is the birthstone for November’s symbol. Since blue topaz is a more common color for topaz and is more accessible than yellow topaz, some people pick it as an alternative. Golden yellow gemstone known as citrine has hues that vary from light yellow to brownish orange.
What is the November Birthstone Meaning?
The word topaz is derived from the Sanskrit tapas, which means fire, and the Greek word topazion. This captivating diamond, one of the most colorful, is available in various varieties. Citrine is thought to be a healing gemstone and is said to be a gift from the sun.
What are Typical November Birthstone Rings?
Finding a yellow topaz is challenging, especially for a reasonable price. Citrine is a lovely birthstone for November since it provides possibilities at cheaper costs. Birthstone rings from Joseph’s Jewelry’s line, which come in white, yellow, and rose 14k gold, vividly display the eye-catching color of citrine.
Which two stones are November’s birthstones?
Topaz and citrine are two lovely birthstones that can be worn by people born in November. Citrine is appreciated for its lovely yellow and orange tones whereas topaz comes in a variety of colors. Both birthstones for November are thought to provide relaxing qualities that also bring luck and warmth to the bearer. Since high-quality gems like topaz and citrine are not as scarce as for many of their contemporaries, these birthstones are often priced reasonably. As a result, people who were born in November have a wide range of alternatives. Choosing one will be your biggest issue.
Does November have a blue birthstone?
The gorgeous gem of various colors topaz, which is the November birthstone, is highly prized as a gemstone for jewelry. Topaz was thought to have magical and therapeutic properties in earlier civilizations. Perhaps the Sanskrit word for fire is where its name comes from.
Colors of the November birthstone
Topaz can be found in a variety of stunning hues, including mild blue, pink, red, brown, different hues of yellow, and even black. Topaz is a colorless stone in its purest form. The chromium atoms in the crystal give red and some pink topazes their color. Most other colors are the result of crystal flaws and small element substitutions. Some hues are brittle and prone to fading. Heat can alter the color of some stones. Colorless topaz can be irradiated with high energy to produce blue gemstones.
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Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral with fluorine and hydroxide in its chemical composition (a hydrogen-oxygen molecule). Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale, because to its strong chemical bonding. High flourine concentrations, a prerequisite for the creation of topaz, are geologically uncommon, according to Geoscience Australia. They provided an explanation of how topaz forms in igneous rock cavities:
When there is sufficient fluorine to support the creation of topaz, which occurs in the late phases of a magma cooling, the crystals develop. Some topaz crystals form when fluorine-rich hot fluids (hydrothermal solutions) pass through fissures in already-cooled rocks.
Topaz on display
From small crystals to enormous rocks, topaz gemstones are found in a variety of sizes. A Brazilian example of one of the largest uncut topaz stones weights about 600 pounds (270 kg). It is on view in New York at the American Museum of Natural History.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., also houses one of the largest cut topazes in the world. called the Golden Topaz of America. It is around 7 inches (18 cm) long and 10.1 pounds (4.6 kg) in weight.
Uses for the November birthstone
Topaz is the perfect stone for jewelry like necklaces, brooches, and bracelets because of its vibrant fire, clarity, hues, and toughness. The pure topaz, which is finely cut and colorless, is occasionally mistaken for a diamond. Topaz is a pricey gem because of its scarcity. Red is the most expensive and scarcest color. The most widely used topaz stones are the brownish-yellow, orange-yellow, and reddish brown variants, which are sherry-colored. They are quite expensive, just like pink stones. While less valuable, light blue and pale yellow topaz are nevertheless incredibly beautiful.
Topaz has industrial uses in addition to its use in jewelry. Because it keeps its strength under intense heat, it is utilized as a refractory material in kilns and furnaces. It can also be used as a mold for molten metals and glass due to its feature.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of topaz, with the Minas Geranis region serving as its most noteworthy source. In addition to these nations, topaz is also mined in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Russia, and Australia. People have discovered it in Utah, Texas, and California in the United States.
Topaz lore
Topaz may have gotten its name from a Sanskrit word that means fire. A more complicated alternative narrative is also present. The gemstone may have been given the name Topazos after an ancient Greek island in the Red Sea. People mined a yellow stone on the purportedly hard to find island. Most people now believe that stone to be chrysolite.
According to legend, topaz could cool boiling water. According to legend, these diamonds gave their owners happy dreams and made them happy. Additionally, it was thought that persons who wore topaz would live long, beautiful, and intelligent lives.
People in the Middle Ages thought that diamonds with intricate engravings carried extraordinary powers. About the topaz, Ragiel’s Book of Wings from the thirteenth century said:
If a falcon is shown on a topaz, it can be used to win over monarchs, princes, and magnates.
Fever was treated with topaz as a medicine. Topaz powder was mixed into wine to treat asthma and sleeplessness. They thought that holding a topaz in a woman’s hand during childbirth would decrease her discomfort.
Topaz was advised as a treatment for impaired vision by Saint Hildegard, a German Benedictine abbess who lived in the 12th century. Three days and nights were spent submerging the stone in wine, after which the liquid was applied to the eyes. A topaz that belonged to two Catholic popes allegedly helped a Roman doctor in the 15th century treat plague sores.
See the birthstones for the rest of the year
In conclusion, topaz is the birthstone for November. It is a hard mineral that is often used in jewelry and has a persistent folklore of magical and therapeutic properties.
Blue topaz was born in what month?
- Zircon is sometimes used in place of the December birthstone, blue topaz.
- The majority of blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been dyed blue.
- According to the Mohs Scale of Hardness, blue topaz is harder than tanzanite (8 on the scale).
- The three more popularly marketed kinds of blue topaz are sky blue, swiss blue, and London blue.
- Parts of the US, China, Mexico, and Russia are where topaz is mined and made.
What Does December Birthstone Mean?
The birthstone for December has a variety of profound meanings. Early on in human history, blue topaz served as a symbol of protection, but its significance in modern times has changed and evolved. At this time, blue topaz is a symbol of affection and is frequently presented as a gift. The ideal anniversary gift for couples who have been married for four or 19 years is a blue topaz stone. The Greek word topazion, which means fire, is whence the word topaz gets its phonetic meaning. The Egyptian island of Topazos, today known as St. Johns, is another location where many think the term topaz may have originated.
How Many Birthstones are there for December
One of the biggest numbers of birthstones designated for December (three in total). Even though each stone is unique, they all have the same color of blue. The three gems are tanzanite, blue topaz, and turquoise. The availability, cost, and enduring appeal of the stone are the varying factors that account for December’s several stones.
Is Tanzanite a December Birthstone?
Since being discovered in 1967 on the slopes of the massive Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa, and given that country’s name by Tiffany & Co., tanzanite has gained enormous popularity and is currently the second-fastest selling colored gemstone after sapphire. The first stone to be included on the official birthstone list since 1912, it was designated as the birthstone for December in 2002.
What is the Birthstone for December?
The blue topaz, which is the birthstone for December, has long been a favorite and popular birthstone choice among people. The topaz was a symbol of many ancient civilizations because it was thought to bring protection. There was a common understanding that this stone was absolutely remarkable that was known in every part of the world, from the Aztecs to the ancient Egyptians. Visit Joseph’s Jewelry to shop our favorite pieces of jewelry that showcase this stunning stone.
What Color is December Birthstone?
In today’s jewelry market, blue topaz is the most popular color. It can be purchased in a wide array of blue hues, from a light, pale blue with a light tone and saturation to a dark, rich blue with a moderate to deep tone and saturation. Two types of processed blue topaz have taken the lead. The terms “Swiss Blue” and “London Blue topaz” refer to them. Swiss Blue is a light-toned, light-to-moderately saturated, vivid blue topaz. Dark blue topaz with a medium to dark tone and saturation is called London Blue.
When did topaz become the birthstone for November?
Since at least the 15th century, topaz has been regarded as the birthstone for November, but the National Association of Jewelers made this designation official in 1912. The history of topaz dates back many years. The word is derived from the Greek name Topazios for the Egyptian island of St. John’s Island, which is located in the Red Sea. It’s interesting to note that at the time, any yellow stone was referred to by this term. In actuality, chrysolite was probably the original “topaz” from which the current gem derives its name.
There are two reasons why there is so much historical ambiguity regarding this stone. First, the term “topaz” was used to describe any stone that was yellow or orange. Secondly, because real topaz appears in so many colors, people have mistaken it for other gemstones for millennia. In 1737, a “modern topaz” was discovered in Germany that would subsequently be recognized as the real thing. Another was discovered by miners in Brazil in 1740, although at the time, it was mistaken for a diamond. As a result, it was added to the Portuguese crown right away.
Uses for blue topaz
This vibrant blue diamond is referred to as the clarity stone. The significance of blue topaz enables you to access your inner wisdom and locate the ideal routes to prosperous chances. Anyone who wears this stone should embrace their true selves, have faith in their abilities, and celebrate luck.
What hue does November represent?
The yellow color of the November birthstone is derived from the gemstones yellow-orange Topaz, also known as golden Topaz, and yellow Citrine.
The numerous colored variants of topaz are produced by impurities because pure topaz is essentially transparent. Topaz also occurs in gorgeous colors of blue, pastel green, pink, and red in addition to the yellow to orange spectrum. Since processed colorless topaz predominates in the market, natural blue topaz is quite uncommon.
Imperial Topaz, a brand name for natural golden topaz, is relatively uncommon and not frequently used in jewelry. The gorgeous sunset colors of Mystic Topaz, which is frequently found in November jewelry, are typically created by treating transparent Topaz.
Russian and Brazilian topaz are the most expensive kind used in jewelry, although Brazilian topaz is the only source of imperial topaz.
Does topaz resemble citrine?
Topaz and citrine, which belong to the quartz family, are separate mineral species. Not quartz, although the silicate mineral family includes topaz. Before these distinctions were understood, many cultures misidentified citrine, a yellow type of quartz, by calling it various names like gold topaz, Madeira topaz, or Spanish topaz, which added to the confusion.
Topaz or citrine, which is superior?
The fourth wedding anniversary is traditionally marked with a blue topaz, while the 23rd wedding anniversary is typically marked with an imperial topaz.
Topaz was regarded to give power to the ancient Greeks, and from the 1300s to the 1600s, it was believed to be able to ward off evil spells and calm rage throughout Europe. For many years, Indians believed that wearing a topaz pendant above the heart would bring about long life, wisdom, and beauty.
All clear yellow, orange, or brown gemstones were referred to as topaz until the turn of the 20th century. As a result, topaz was supposed to have a golden colour and attract wealth and gold to the wearer.
Topaz is quite harda Mohs scale 8but not extremely tough, thus it needs to be cleaned carefully. (Recall that the Mohs’ scale of hardness is used to categorize minerals.) Because excessive heat might create internal cracks in the stone, avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners on topaz. Topaz should be cleaned with warm, soapy water, advises Southern California-based bespoke jeweler Shmukler Design, to stop cracking.
Topaz is usually stable in the presence of light, but extended exposure to heat or too much sunlight can cause the yellow-to-brown varieties of the gem to lose their color. To be safe, remove the topaz gem when washing jewelry with chemicals. Topaz may also be somewhat impacted by some chemicals.
The handcrafted coating of the Mystic Topaz can survive normal wear, but it does require gentle cleaning. If your birthstone has been subjected to this treatment, clean it with a gentle soap solution.
Let’s move on to Citrine now:
Citrine is a clear yellow to brownish-orange form of quartz that has been used in jewelry for hundreds of years but wasn’t initially recognized as the birthstone for November. It was initially mistaken for topaz, the other birthstone for November. Citrine is said to have been named after the French word for lemon, citron, as its citrus tints would imply. Instead of lemon, residues of iron are what give the food its yellow to orange hue.
While Roman pontiffs wore rings with enormous amethysts that were rumored to be citrine, the ancient Greeks cut citrine into rock crystal decorations. In Victorian jewelry, citrine was also quite popular in Scotland, and today, citrine is the customary gift on a 13th wedding anniversary.
Because natural citrine is so uncommon, the majority of it that is currently available on the market was created by heating amethyst.
Spain, Bolivia, Mexico, Madagascar, and Uruguay are the main exporters of this gemstone for November. Brazil is a common mining location for amethyst that has been heated to a citrine hue.
Many people originally thought citrine had the same alleged calming properties as November’s second birthstone since it is often confused with topaz. Today, supporters of citrine extol its unique “powers, including fostering individual clarity and creativity and reducing negative inclinations. The qualities of hope, youth, vigor, health, happiness, and fidelity are also considered to be connected to citrine.
Finally, from the second millennium BCE until the end of the Han dynasty in 220 CE, people who lived in China termed citrine the “The emperors of that era believed that wearing the gem helped them develop their minds and sharpen their intellects, and they referred to it as the “stone of success.”
Citrine, which rates a 7 on the Mohs scale, is as hard as topaz, the other November birthstone, but citrine has superior toughness characteristics. Citrine can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and is resilient enough for everyday use. If you’d like, you can clean your citrine jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner, but since steam cleaning could result in cracks, we strongly advise against it.