Topaz and citrine are two lovely birthstones that can be worn by people born in November. While topaz is available in a wide range of colours, citrine is renowned for its lovely yellow and orange tones. 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.
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Why do November have two birthstones?
The 12 stones of the High Priest’s breastplate recorded in Exodus are thought to be the origin of the concept of birthstones. Wearing one stone per month of the year was formerly a widespread habit. The Jewelers of America sought to standardize birthstones in 1912. Modern birthstones are chosen primarily on what can be sold in huge quantities the quickest. Thus, there are two birthstones for November. The original birthstone was topaz, but citrine was eventually introduced as a less expensive substitute.
Is the birthstone for November unusual?
- Topaz is truly colorless, but impurities can give it nearly any hue, with conventional tones ranging from yellow to amber.
- Blue topaz is extremely rare in nature; those that are routinely sold have undergone treatment.
- The most expensive variety of topaz is imperial topaz, a reddish orange stone with pink undertones.
Topaz Symbolism
- The Greeks of antiquity thought that topaz could render its wearer invisible.
- The stone was additionally believed to reduce rage and stabilize powerful emotions.
- Topaz was viewed as a sign of strength and honor, and it was thought to bring sagacity and knowledge.
Is the birthstone for November blue or yellow?
The clear yellow to brownish orange form of quartz, which has been used in jewelry for thousands of years, is the birthstone for November. Since ancient times, citrine has been a popular gemstone, and it has occasionally been confused with topaz, the other birthstone for November. People consequently believed that citrine had comparable abilities to topaz. Citrine was said to calm the wearer and quiet the temper.
It was used by the ancient Greeks to chisel jewellery out of rock crystal that sparkled like permafrost. Massive purple amethysts were put in the rings worn by Roman pontiffs, and citrine has also reportedly been used in Roman jewelry. In vibrant Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era, it was especially common. Citrine is a gift for the thirteenth wedding anniversary and is thought to come from the French word for lemon (citron).
The majority of citrine on the market today is created by heating amethyst. Citrine is one of the most affordable and sought-after yellow gemstones since it is readily available in a wide range of sizes.
Topaz or citrine, which is superior?
Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, whereas citrine has a hardness of 7. A fine Topaz is much rarer than a fine Citrine because fine Gem Topaz is also more rarer than a fine Citrine. In comparison to citrine, some extremely rare topaz stones can be extremely expensive.
Citrine is unquestionably lovely, therefore this is not meant to imply that it cannot be. Additionally, it can be discovered in sizes that are far larger than what one is likely to find in topaz, 20 carats or larger. In comparison to practically any other gemstone, citrine is also incredibly inexpensive, costing less than $100 per carat.
Is topaz pricey?
Like any stone, topaz prices vary according to quality. Nevertheless, a few generalizations are possible. The most popular type of topaz used in jewelry today, blue topaz, has been produced in such large numbers that it is now typically sold for $25 per carat at retail for ring sizes. Larger sizes could cost a little extra. Even though treated blue topaz is widely produced, the price of natural blue topaz has practically decreased to match that of the treated stone.
Blue topaz is created (by irradiation and heat) from colorless topaz, which is offered in sizes up to 100 ct and higher and costs less than $8/ct. The cost of brown topaz is comparable.
Contrarily, valuable topaz, often known as “imperial” topaz, can sell for more than $1000 per carat (ct) in big (10 ct+) proportions. Richly colored topaz with a pink or red hue is the most expensive; its retail price can approach $3500/ct. Over 5 ct. sizes of these are uncommon.
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.
November Diamond: What is it?
The citrine, which has been the birthstone for November for almost a century, is actually a variety of quartz that stands out for its warm yellow tone, which makes it different from all other gemstones of its kind.
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.
Topazis it a crystal?
A well-known mineral called topaz can be found in the form of enormous crystals with exquisite shapes and colors. It naturally occurs in numerous colors, but rarely in pink, purple, and deep blue. Stones with a lighter color require heat treatment and irradiation to create those hues.