November Birthstone Topaz: What is November Birthstone? Color, Meaning

Introduction to November Birthstone

What is the November Birthstone?

Topaz and citrine are beautiful November birthstones. There are many different topaz colors, but the most popular one is blue. Pleochroic topaz changes color in various crystal orientations. When polished to a high shine, the gemstone looks practically frictionless and is almost inclusion-free.

All of these properties make beautiful blue topaz gemstones resemble ocean waves. Another second November popular birthstone, citrine is known for its bright yellow and orange colours. These energetic stones are believed to have sun-related properties and are generally flawless.

What is the color of the November Birthstone?

A beautiful and versatile birthstone for November, topaz may vary in color from clear to light blue, yellow, orange, pink, brown, and, very rarely, even red. Some topaz colors emerge naturally, while others are enhanced artificially. For example, Mystic Topaz's rainbow appearance is obtained by coating colorless topaz with a thin synthetic layer, and most blue topaz has a permanent effect of heating and irradiating it.

The second birthstone for November is citrine, a quartz variety that ranges in color from pale yellow to honey orange. Citrine's pale yellow color is more similar to topaz, which is likely why the two November birthstones have traditionally been mistaken. Citrine's yellow color derives from iron impurities in quartz crystals.

What Is Topaz?

Topaz is a November birthstone that symbolizes wisdom, devotion, and love. The term "topaz" originated from the Sanskrit word "tapas," which derives from the word for "fire." Alternatively, the name "topaz" derived from the Greek word "topazios," which referred to a Red Sea island. This birthstone is a well-known gemstone for its beautiful and alluring color. 

What Is Citrine?

Citrine is a second November birthstone that symbolizes success, abundance, and prosperity. Its name comes from the citron fruit, which has a color similar to citrine. The French term "citron," meaning "lemon," comes from citrine's lemon-yellow color. It was termed "yellow quartz" before 1550. The Old Testament calls citrine "chrysolitus," meaning "golden stone," but "citrine" has become popular recently.

The Origin and History of November Birthstone 

The Origin and History of Topaz:

Topaz is commonly found in many countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. This gemstone has traditionally been connected with the royal family. When enormous topazes were found in Brazil, they were mistaken for diamonds. Later, the colorless topaz was put in the Portuguese royal jewels.

In the 19th century, topaz gained additionally further royal significance once it began to be mostly mined in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Pink Topaz, originally from Russia, was named as a member of the royal family. A royal family member's huge pink topaz was put in his crown.

Many ancient civilizations, especially the Romans and Greeks, considered topaz as a precious gem. They saw it as a mystical stone that could provide power and protection. Because of its bright luster, topaz was linked to Ra, the sun deity. Topaz was believed by the Romans to be protective and capable of repelling poisonous substances.

It was believed that topaz would change color and warn of poisoned food or drink in the era of the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed topaz possessed mystical properties. They believed it had the potential to break spells and heal diseases.

The Origin and History of Citrine:

Citrine birthstone primarily originates in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, and Uruguay. Brazil is the primary source of amethyst, which is often heated to a citrine color. Unheated citrine is abundant in the Ahání mine in Bolivia, situated in the world's biggest freshwater marsh.

The mine's history dates back to the 1600s, when a Spanish invader married Anahí, a princess from the Ayoreos tribe of Paraguay, and obtained it as dowry. After 300 years, the long-lost mine was only discovered in the 1960s.

Furthermore, Citrine gemstone has long been confused with Topaz, November's birthstone. Citrine was believed to have topaz-like qualities. Ancients people believed citrine birthstone could calm, soothe, and reduce outrage.

Using the topaz power in what they believed was the same birthstone muddled power usage. Ancient Roman popes wore massive purple amethyst rings. Apparently, the Romans also made jewelry using citrine. Citrine was prominent in Victorian Scottish colorful jewelry.

Topaz: November Birthstone Facts

Feature	Topaz	Citrine
Color	Varies (Yellow, blue, pink, orange, colorless)	Pale yellow to brownish orange
Mohs Hardness	8 on the Mohs scale	7 on the Mohs scale
Chemical Composition	Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide	SiO₂ (Silica Dioxide)
Symbolism	Love, loyalty, friendship, hope	Success, abundance, prosperity
Birth Month	November	November
Additional Properties	Qualities include a high refractive index (brilliance), pleochroism (color changes when seen from different angles), and color alteration by heat treatment.	Considered to have sun-related properties and tend to be flawless

 

Different Colors & Characteristics of Topaz 

Topaz comes in many colors and types, each with its own charm. For example:

• Imperial topaz: Imperial topaz is the most admired type of topaz and one of the most famous varieties like the Golden yellow Imperial Topaz ring. This stunning stone is deep golden yellow to rich orange-red with pink flashes. 

• Blue topaz: Blue topaz (or irradiated blue topaz) ranges from pastel sky blue to deep London blue jewelry like the trendy London Blue Topaz Station Bracelet. The heat treatment most blue topaz requires to enhance its color makes it safe and stable.

• Pink topaz: Pink topaz ranges from pale to bright pink. Pink topa is rare and usually heat-treated to make it brighter. The pale-to-bright color of pink topaz elegant jewelry like Pink Topaz Stud Earrings makes it ideal for modest, elegant jewelry.

• Green Topaz: Green Topaz is a naturally occurring and rare color Topaz gemstone. It is heat-treated and varies from light to very deep green. 

• Sherry Topaz: Sherry Topaz has warm, golden-brown colors with small undertones of red or orange. 

• Mystic Topaz: Mystic Topaz, a unique gemstone, is a beautiful alternative to the traditional topaz. Its Stud Earring jewelry is the best example of elegance. This gemstone is exposed to titanium vapor treatment to create a timeless rainbow of colors.

Different Colors & Characteristics of Citrine 

Two primary categories of citrine exist, each of which is set apart by how it is formed, which in turn affects its properties and value. Let’s look at them more closely. 

Natural Citrine: As their name implies, these stones are natural. They vary in color from a pale, almost pastel yellow to a more intense, deeper yellow (some call it "golden"). In nature, citrine is nearly often found along with other minerals like quartz. Few minerals are discovered in "pure" forms. Citrine is pale and "golden," yet it also resembles smokey.

Synthetic Citrine: Citrine stones are frequently synthesized from other quartz crystals due to their extreme rarity. As a result, the ones that are sold in stores today have probably been heated. These "stones" are generated by burning amethyst crystals in a firing chamber. Heat and time determine a crystal's gold color. Heat treatment does not invalidate citrine due to its chemical features, unlike gilding, which monograph author M. A. Chishama Shenorotovil states.

Natural and heat-treated citrine gemstones are the major types. Following are some of the most popular citrine varieties. 

• Madeira citrine: Madeira citrine is one of the most well-recognized kinds of citrine. Most citrines in this form are heated amethyst with a brownish core, resulting in a warm orange-to-yellow color. 
• Citrine Palmeria: Citrine in the Palmeria collection has the same heat-treated or "natural" appearance, but its color ranges from warm orange to brown. 
• Fire Citrine: Fire citrine is known for its bright color, with a reddish-orange color.
• Golden Citrine: The most common citrine color is golden. The gemstone often obtains this color following its cutting process.

November Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism

November Birthstone Topaz: Meaning and Symbolism

The Topaz birthstone symbolizes love, courage, and intelligence. Wearing topaz is believed to bring lasting love and loyalty. Additionally, it is believed to provide physical and mental strength, and it is widely believed to enhance the wearer's focus and wisdom. Topaz has been valued by ancient and modern civilizations across the globe.

The ancient Greeks believed that it made people stronger. Like other birthstones, Indians wear engraved topazes near the heart for longevity, beauty, and focus-enhancing insight. Plus, the dazzling, pure topaz radiates the light of wisdom and the warmth of affection.

Today, Topaz is valued for its healing properties. It is believed to direct a steady stream of positive energy along the body's channels, encouraging honesty and forgiveness, healthy digestion, strengthening nerves and metabolism, and relieving tension and inducing relaxation.

November Birthstone Citrine: Meaning and Symbolism

Citrine, November's birthstone, was formerly thought to be a gift from the sun by many people. Like topaz, they believed this bright stone's soft warmth and radiance could cure and relax the wearer. In medieval times, citrine was worn as a protective charm against evil spirits and snake bites.

This perfect golden gemstone was said by the Romans and Egyptians to have been given to it by the sun god Ra, and it was believed to have miraculous healing and protecting powers. In modern times, citrine has taken on the name "Merchant's Stone," and those who wear it are believed to be blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Benefits of November Birthstone

Benefits of Topaz as a November Birthstone:

Topaz is known to heal and provide strength and tranquility. Topaz's unique crystalline structure and chloride (the element considered to offer tranquility and calm) contribute significantly. Colour matters too. Blue Topaz is believed to have the same energies as yellow.

Both are believed to provide emotional equilibrium and treat throat and mouth diseases. According to metaphysical beliefs, topaz is a strong stone that provides its owner with the attributes of affection, faithfulness, friendship, and hope.

Benefits of Citrine as a November Birthstone:

People consider citrine a cheerful stone. They think it's the opposite of gloomy, grumpy, and afraid. It could even affect the solar plexus chakra, which governs self-confidence and strength.

According to metaphysical beliefs, citrine is considered a solar stone that provides its owner with the attributes of fulfilling wishes and intuition. As mentioned in symbolism, this gemstone represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

Authentic November Birthstone options to buy online

Gemfly is well-known for its high-quality jewelry, which includes the November birthstone. Gemfly has an extensive collection of November birthstones in various forms and colors. Take a glance at some genuine November birthstone jewelry.

How to Choose the Perfect November Birthstone Topaz Jewelry

Topaz quality depends on color, clarity, and cut. Consider these qualities while choosing Topaz jewelry:

• Color: Consider the color of November birthstone jewelry based on your preference. For example, Topaz is the most popular and most precious stone. Its sky-light to deep London blue color makes this gemstone stand out. Other Topaz colors include pink, mystic (rainbow hue), and imperial topaz. While Citrine is another most popular and top-selling yellow-to-orange gemstone.

• Clarity: Choose a November birthstone with superior clarity to avoid apparent inclusions (internal faults) that could affect its beauty and durability. Topaz is clear, so locating a clean one shouldn't be hard. Most exquisite citrines have type I clarity, without inclusions or color zoning.

• Cut: Cuts alter birthstone brightness and beauty. Most jewelers suggest a well-cut topaz to maximize light performance and bring out its color. Oval, round, cushion, pear, and emerald topaz cuts are popular. Citrine sparkles best in dazzling round, princess cut, pear cut, radiant cut, and oval cuts, which make it glow like an orange sun!

Caring for November Birthstone Jewelry

Keeping November birthstone—Topaz and Citrine—jewelry in pristine condition requires special attention regularly. Citrine (7 on the Mohs scale) and topaz (8 on the Mohs scale) are sensitive to heat and ultrasonic cleaning energies. Let’s explore how to clean your November Birthstone Jewelry (Topaz and Citrine jewelry), along with essential care tips.

How to Clean Your November Birthstone Jewelry 

The cleaning procedures for November birthstone jewelry are as follows:

• To keep both Topaz and Citrine jewelry accessories sparkling clean, combine a small bowl of warm water (not hot water) with a few drops of mild dish detergent. 

• Dip a gentle toothbrush in soapy water and carefully brush the both gemstone and its mounting. 

• When completed, rinse the gemstone in fresh warm water and wipe it dry with a soft, lint-free towel.

Caring Tips for Topaz Jewelry

• Both Topaz and Citrine jewelry demand careful and regular cleaning, particularly if it is worn regularly. 

• Do not use any cleaning procedures that include harsh chemicals or strong ammonia, as they may harm both Topaz and Citrine gemstones and metal in the setting. 

• When not in use, keep both Topaz and Citrine jewelry in a soft bag separate from other items to prevent scratches. 

• Avoid exposing both Topaz and Citrine jewelry to extreme heat and don't let household cleaning chemicals come into contact with it. This is because topaz as well as citrine is heat-sensitive, and high-temperature cleaning may damage its beauty and purity.

• To maintain your Topaz and Citrine jewelry, have a professional check and clean it annually.

Conclusion: 

Topaz and Citrine are beautiful valuable gemstones for November birthstones. The topaz, in its many hues (blue, pink, and even colorless), exhibits grace and hospitality. Another Citrine comes in a pale yellow to brownish orange color, which exhibits wealth and fortune. Color, clarity, and cut are three essential features to consider while shopping for a topaz and citrine gemstone.

Plus, it is crucial to maintain the quality of your November birthstone jewels by ensuring that they are stored securely and regularly cleaned.

 

FAQ

Q1. Why does November have two birthstones?

Ans. November is the month of Scorpio and Sagittarius, whose birthstones are historic topaz for Scorpio and beautiful citrine for Sagittarius. 

Q2. What is the real November birthstone?

Ans. Yellow topaz is the most popular November birthstone, but citrine, another gorgeous yellow gemstone, is becoming more popular. 

Q3. What does November symbolize?

Ans. Both citrine and topaz are birthstones for November. However, citrine symbolizes success, abundance, and prosperity, while topaz symbolizes love, loyalty, friendship, and hope.

Q4. Is the November birthstone rare?

Ans. Red Topaz as well as Natural citrine are a rare November birthstone.