Colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown, and, very infrequently, red are just a few of the topaz hues. The majority of blue topaz seen today is a permanent byproduct of heating and irradiating colorless topaz. The colorless topaz used in “Mystic Topaz” has a thin synthetic layer applied to it to provide the rainbow look.
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 regarded by the ancient Greeks as a source of power. Between the years 1300 and 1600, Europeans believed it could foil magic spells and calm a raging temper. Many Indians have long held the belief that wearing topaz above the heart ensures long life, beauty, and wisdom.
Imperial topaz, which is clearly pinkish orange, is considered aristocratic. The name of this gem, which was mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains, is generally said to have sprung from the Russian royal family’s emphasis on retaining the finest colors solely for their use. An alternative theory, particularly well-liked in Brazil, claims that it originates from Pedro II’s 1881 visit to Ouro Preto, the city nearest to Brazil’s most productive topaz mines, and the delivery of a reddish topaz to him.
The gem for the fourth wedding anniversary is blue topaz, while the gem for the 23rd wedding anniversary is imperial topaz.
In This Article...
Why are there two birthstones for November?
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.
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.
What birthstone actually belongs to November?
- 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.
Why is topaz the birthstone for February?
Two gems, 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.
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 regarded by the ancient Greeks as a source of power. 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. The birthstone rings from Joseph’s Jewelry collection, which come in white, yellow, and rose 14k gold, vividly display the eye-catching color of citrine.
Is topaz or citrine the birthstone for November?
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.
Is topaz the same as 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?
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.
Pink topaz is it rare?
Topaz is a well-liked gem and the traditional birthstone for November. Despite being usually connected with both blue and bright yellow, it can also be seen in other colors, including colorless. The most uncommon colors are pure pink, crimson, and beautiful golden orange, occasionally with a pink undertone.
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.
