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November Birthstones: Unveiling the Citrine & Topaz Duo
十一月生日石 - 黃水晶和黃玉
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The two gemstones designated as November birthstones are citrine and topaz, usually yellow topaz. Both stones, quite similar-looking, radiate the autumnal colors of the November season.

The month of November gets its name from the Latin novem, meaning “nine,” because it was the ninth month in older Roman calendars. Anglo-Saxons called November Blōtmōnaþ, blót meaning “blood sacrifice.”

During November, ancient Romans celebrated festivals like Ludi Plebeii (Plebeian Games), Epulum Jovis (honoring Jupiter), and Brumalia (winter solstice festival).

Today, popular November holidays include Thanksgiving and Veterans Day in the US, along with the Christian All Saints’ Day and the Mexican Day of the Dead.

Generally, the month symbolizes transition, unity, and gratitude.

Do the November birthstones parallel this symbolism? Find out as we go over the history, meanings, properties, and value of topaz and citrine!

november birthstones citrine and topazPictured above: Madeira citrine (left) and blue topaz (right)

Historical & Cultural Significance of November Birthstones

November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. But why are there two birthstones for November?

The short answer: topaz was the traditional November birthstone, and citrine was added later.

The slightly longer answer:

Birthstones began in the 1st and 5th century, inspired by Biblical lists of twelve gemstones. At this time, topaz was designated for November.

Wearing one’s birthstone began in the 1500s, but formalized modern birthstone lists kicked off in 1870, when Tiffany & Co released a pamphlet of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems.” The November poem discussed topaz.

The first standardized lists, created by the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) in 1912 and the National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937, both listed topaz for November.

In 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America amended the 1912 list, adding citrine for November. This may have been because citrine was more affordable than topaz.

The most up-to-date UK list has only topaz for November, while the most recent US list has topaz and citrine.

What is the most common birthstone for November? The history of topaz makes it more recognizable as the “classic” November birthstone, but citrine is gaining popularity. Plus, citrine is more abundant than topaz.

But how do citrine and topaz’s history compare?

ancient roman citrine carving from 2nd centuryPictured above: Ancient Roman glyptic with head of Faustina carved in citrine, 2nd century, restored in gold in 16th century; Displayed in Museo archeologico nazionale (Florence) | Image credit: Sailko, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Citrine’s Historical Connections

The first recorded civilization to use citrine gemstones was ancient Greece. Greeks decorated with citrine around 300 to 150 BC and connected the November birthstone to harvest goddess Demeter. Ancient Romans carved citrine intaglios and priests wore carved citrine rings.

Meanwhile, ancient Egyptians associated citrine with their goddess of war, Sekhmet, who protected pharaohs and offered healing powers to her followers. They also associated the November stone with their sun god, Ra.

Chinese emperors reportedly wore citrine jewelry to broaden their minds and attract prosperity. Scottish soldiers put citrine on their weapons, sometimes even creating hilts for their swords entirely from citrine.

The name “citrine,” however, didn’t come into use until 1385, when it was used for various yellow gemstones. One of those gemstones was topaz, confused with citrine for centuries. Though some called citrine “yellow quartz,” others called it “gold topaz” or “Spanish topaz.”

In 1546, “citrine” was established for yellow quartz specifically, likely from the French citron, meaning “lemon.”

In modern times, citrine popularity skyrocketed in 1920 to 1930s Art Deco styles, boosted by citrine jewelry appearances on celebrities like Greta Garbo.

18th century Portuguese stomacher with yellow topaz stonesPictured above: 18th century Portuguese "devant de corsage" or stomacher made of topazes; Displayed at National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon | Image credit: Manederequesens, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Topaz’s Legacy in Various Cultures

The name “topaz” likely comes from the island of Topazios, what Greeks called present-day Zabargad. However, this island didn’t produce topaz but peridot, which was formerly mixed up with topaz, similar to confusions between topaz and citrine.

Another theory about topaz’s name is from Sanskrit terms topas or tapaz, meaning “fire.” Sanskrit was the language of ancient India, where Hindus believed topaz was protective and sacred as one of the gems in the wish-granting Kalpa Tree and the astrologically powerful Navaratna.

Ancient Egyptians connected topaz to the sun god, Ra, and his golden radiance. Similarly, ancient Romans associated topaz with their sun god, Apollo, and Greeks tied topaz to sky god Jupiter. In the Navaratna mentioned above, topaz also represents the planet Jupiter.

Some Romans believed the November birthstone would change colors when held near poisoned refreshments. Similarly, other ancients thought topaz’s color would intensify according to the moon’s phases or treat illness during full moons.

In Christianity, topaz is associated with Saint Matthew and his religious passion. The November birthstone is also mentioned as one of the High Priest’s Breastplate stones and New Jerusalem stones.

Geology & Composition of November Birthstones

Starting with citrine, this November birthstone is a form of quartz, making its composition silicon dioxide and its Mohs hardness 7.

This type of quartz forms in geodes, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Often, citrine is created by heat-treating other quartz varieties, but more on that later.

Most citrine birthstones come from Brazil, but other top sources include Bolivia, Uruguay, Madagascar, Mexico, and Spain.

Moving to topaz, this stone is an aluminum fluorine silicate with 8-level Mohs hardness. It forms in various underground areas, but it’s usually found in silica-rich igneous rocks.

Like citrine, the top source for facetable topaz stones, including imperial topaz, is Brazil. Yellow topaz is also known from Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

faceted yellow citrine november birthstonePictured above: Faceted citrine with oval shape

Citrine's Warm Glow: Unveiling the Sunlit Gem

Arguably the most popular yellow gemstone, citrine’s color comes from traces of iron impurities. The amount of iron leads to different citrine shades, including pale yellow, golden-yellow, orange, reddish-orange, and brownish-orange.

However, natural citrine is rare, especially in good coloring. Therefore, most citrine November birthstones are the product of heating amethyst or smoky quartz.

The amethyst’s original coloring can influence how bright or dull the citrine’s color will be. Heated smoky quartz stones tend to become lighter yellow citrines.

Natural citrine crystals are often pale yellow with smokiness throughout.

heated faceted topaz november birthstones in yellow red and brown colorsPictured above: Heat-treated parcel of topaz stones in warm colors

The Multifaceted Beauty of Topaz

Unlike citrine, topaz is available in a wide range of colors. However, many yellow gemstones were historically referred to as “topaz,” and yellow topaz was believed to be the only yellow gem for centuries.

Today, blue topaz is more popular. But is the November birthstone blue or yellow? Most gemologists specify yellow or golden topaz for November, as blue topaz is associated more with December.

Because topaz is allochromatic, its colors come from impurities. The most common color-causing impurity is iron, which leads to various colors — like brown, yellow, and blue — depending on the wavelength absorption. Chromium impurities cause pink to purple colors.

Natural topaz crystals are usually colorless, pale yellow, orange, or brown. Blue topaz is the most popular, but it’s usually created by artificial irradiation treatment.

Other notable treated topaz varieties include mystic, azotic, and center-fused topaz.

The most valuable topaz November birthstone is imperial topaz, named for its discovery in Russia and association with Russian czars. This variety has vibrant orange, pink, or coral coloring with reddish pleochroism.

citrine and topaz november birthstone necklacePictured above: Necklace with citrine surrounded by white topaz stones

Evaluating Quality: Citrine and Topaz Characteristics

Both citrine and topaz November birthstones vary in quality and value based on their color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and treatments.

Color

Citrine: While citrine’s most popular coloring is reddish-brown or brownish-orange, the most valuable citrine colors are vibrant yellow to reddish-orange with no brown undertones. One example is the deep reddish-orange Madeira citrine.

Topaz: The most valuable, rarest topaz color is red or pink. The second-highest is imperial topaz, which usually has red overtones. Uniform coloring in topaz is a value booster.

Blue is also rare naturally, but blue topaz birthstones created with treatments are abundant. Yellowish-brown to orange topaz is called “sherry topaz” or “precious topaz,” despite topaz being a semi-precious gem.

White topaz is the most affordable and a common alternative to diamond in jewelry like engagement rings.

Cut

Citrine: High-quality citrine gems are often faceted, with both standard and custom shapes available in various sizes. Lower-quality specimens may become cabochons or beads. Many stunning citrine birthstones are carved.

Topaz: Gem cutters must consider a topaz crystal’s coloring, size, and high refractive index (meaning better sparkle) when choosing the best cut. That said, topaz gems are available in virtually every faceted cut.

Emerald cuts are common for bringing out topaz’s color and size. Oval and pear shapes help enhance an imperial topaz’s red pleochroism.

Like citrine, topaz birthstones can also become cabochons, carvings, or beads.

greenish yellow citrine faceted gemstonePictured above: Faceted greenish-yellow citrine with trillion shape

Clarity & Transparency

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions, which lower a stone’s transparency and value. Both November birthstones range from transparent to opaque, with more transparent options commanding higher prices.

Citrine: Citrine is often found without visible inclusions, so their presence lowers the value. Color-zoning also lowers value.

Topaz: Topaz stones vary in clarity by their color. Blue, yellow, and imperial topaz are often found without visible inclusions (Type I clarity).

Carat Weight

Citrine: Luckily, citrine gems come in an array of sizes. Stones above 10 carats will have slightly higher price-per-carat rates but are still affordable.

Topaz: The price-per-carat of topaz gems can vary by color. The rate for imperial topaz gems will jump at 1, 3, and 3+ carats. Pink topaz price-per-carat jumps over 3 carats. Other topaz colors will have higher price-per-carat rates over 10 carats.

faceted mystic topazPictured above: Faceted mystic topaz created with surface-coating treatment

Treatments

Citrine: As mentioned, most citrine gems available have been treated. Smoky quartz and amethyst are heated, while clear quartz may be heated and irradiated. Some natural citrines are heated for deeper coloring.

Topaz: Typical topaz treatments are heat and/or irradiation, which enhance or change the birthstone’s color. Certain colors are more stable — treated precious topaz usually won’t fade, but brown topaz is often light-sensitive.

Surface-coating or diffusion treatments create mystic, azotic, and center-fused topaz.

Shifting gears, what is the spiritual meaning of the November birthstones?

orange citrine carving with floral shapePictured above: Citrine carved into floral shape

November Birthstone Meanings: Cultural Symbolism & Beliefs

A common thread among both November birthstones’ meanings involves light: warmth, the sun, and energy. But each stone carries its own unique metaphysical significance.

Citrine Birthstone Meanings

Today, citrine generally symbolizes abundance, warmth, and manifestation.

Ancient beliefs about citrine healing stones included powers to ease anger and attract prosperity. Many cultures believe citrine helps manifest wealth and success, nicknaming it “The Merchant’s Stone” or “Success Stone.”

Others thought citrine attracted love, confidence, and intellect, while dispelling negativity.

Another common belief was for protection. Hindus thought citrine protected their wellbeing and beauty. Ancient Celts and Scots would wear protective citrine talismans for avoiding snake bites and plagues.

pink topaz earrings with diamondsPictured above: Pink topaz earrings with accent diamonds

Topaz Birthstone Meanings

Modern interpretation of topaz’s meaning is that it represents strength, wealth, and courage.

Ancient uses for topaz included increasing strength, harnessing the sun’s power, and protecting one from harm. Renaissance Europeans thought these November birthstones would end curses and soothe anger.

African shamans thought topaz attracted wealth. Early Christians saw topaz as symbolic of virtue, faith, and the act of loving God and your neighbor.

Historically, topaz stones engraved with falcons were believed to grant you good fortune from royals and treat eye disease.

faceted ametrine alternative november birthstonePictured above: Faceted ametrine

Alternative November Birthstones

Though yellow topaz and citrine are traditional, you have many November birthstone options.

For one, you can choose another topaz color, like the more accessible blue topaz. Pink topaz is another great option, resembling pink diamond at a lower price point.

You can even opt for ametrine, a purple and yellow combination of amethyst and citrine.

November also has some alternative yellow birthstones, like:

Astrologically, what birthstone is for November Scorpios? November-born Scorpios (before the 22nd) can benefit from coral and shungite.

November-born Sagittarius signs (after the 22nd) can benefit from beryl, amethyst, or lapis lazuli.

Personalized November Birthstone Gifts

If you’re deciding on November birthstone jewelry, you might wonder which is better: topaz or citrine? In short, it depends.

Topaz fares better in durability and color diversity, but citrine is more affordable and diverse in size.

If you’re buying a November-born loved one a birthstone gift, there are plenty of options! You can incorporate the gem into a November birthstone ring, pendant, bracelet, or cufflinks. You can even opt for carved or rough November birthstone decor.

Want to personalize it more? You could have the stone engraved, paired with your own birthstone, or even designed around jewelry incorporating chrysanthemum, the November birth flower.

Outside of birthdays, citrine is the traditional 13th wedding anniversary gem, while topaz commemorates the 4th, 19th, and 23rd anniversaries.

faceted yellow topaz november birthstone ringPictured above: Yellow topaz ring

Ready to Navigate the World of November Birthstones?

November is a time of transition, from warmth to chiller weather and shorter days. But as Henry David Thoreau said, “perhaps [November’s] harvest of thought is worth more than all the other crops of the year.”

Topaz and citrine are wonderful gems for appreciating that harvest of thought, being surrounded by loved ones, and being born in this colorful time of year.

Find traditional and alternative November birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!


十一月生日石 - 黃玉和黃水晶 11 月是一個特別的月份,因為它的誕生石不是一顆,而是兩顆:黃玉和黃水晶。每個都是獨一無二的,並提供選擇冷色調或暖色調的選項。

托帕石呈現豐富、美麗的藍色,模仿冬季涼爽的溫度。但是,它也有多種顏色可供選擇,從藍色到火紅色和橙色。黃水晶自然是溫暖的橙色色調,模仿劈啪作響的壁爐或褪色的秋葉。

這些十一月生日石的深度豐富而耐人尋味。隨著假期的臨近,禮物自然會出現在您的腦海中。別忘了十一月的寶寶們!十一月生日石是一份美麗而周到的禮物。讓我們仔細看看這些令人驚嘆的十一月生日石中的每一顆。

十一月生日石 - 黃玉和黃水晶黃玉

黃玉是兩顆十一月生日石中的第一顆,它是一種多樣化的寶石,呈現出從無色到粉紅色的一系列美麗色彩。這意味著您在手工挑選黃玉時不受限制。無論您最喜歡的顏色是藍色、黃色、橙色、紅色、粉紅色還是香檳色——總有一塊上面印有您名字的托帕石。

黃玉是一種充滿活力的寶石,因其硬度、淨度和令人驚嘆的美麗而備受推崇和珍視。托帕石的 MOHS 硬度等級為 8,其硬度僅次於藍寶石 (9) 和鑽石 (10),排名第三。黃玉有兩種不同的類型,讓我們來看看每一種。

  1. 托帕石 - 一種來自巴西的珍貴且高度飽和的黃色寶石,經過顏色處理後變成亮藍色

  2. 帝王黃玉 - 最初在俄羅斯發現為紅色水晶。它的名字來源於 17 世紀的俄羅斯沙皇,他們聲稱擁有這顆日落色調的寶石。帝王黃玉產自俄羅斯和巴西。

托帕石最著名和最容易獲得的顏色是美麗的水藍色。然而,它也可以是無色或帶有香檳色的。由於顏色相似,這些類型的托帕石經常被誤認為是石英。需要現代測試來區分黃玉和石英,因為它們很容易混淆。

黃玉寶石
拓帕石是如何獲得水藍色調的?經過特殊處理,將黃玉的天然棕色變成明亮、燦爛和閃閃發光的藍色,猶如海洋的波光粼粼。黃玉是一種心愛的寶石,這並不奇怪,尤其是十一月生日的人!

那麼,拓帕石有什麼特殊含義呢?

黃玉的含義

黃玉周圍有可愛的象徵意義。 “黃玉”這個名字來源於希臘語“黃玉”,它來自梵語中的“火”字。為什麼藍色寶石會以火命名?好吧,請記住,拓帕石有多種顏色,而藍色拓帕石經過處理。儘管如此,黃玉仍具有重要的精神意義。

黃玉象徵著愛、感情和甜蜜,擁有跨越世紀和文化的充滿活力的歷史。在中世紀時期,撒克遜統治者佩戴黃玉首飾和胸甲。早在此之前,古埃及人就佩戴代表太陽神 Ra 的黃色托帕石,因為它具有火熱的黃色調。幾千年來,黃玉對各行各業都具有特殊的意義和意義。

目前,黃玉是 11 月的生辰石,會帶來創造力、專注力和好運。這種充滿活力的寶石具有許多強大的治療特性,被認為有助於治愈抑鬱症、提高生產力和平衡情緒。

既然我們已經介紹了一顆 11 月生日石,那麼讓我們來看看下一顆!

了解有關黃玉的更多信息

黃水晶誕生石

如果說托帕石因其明亮的藍色而備受青睞,那麼黃水晶則因其強烈的暖色調而備受推崇。黃水晶僅提供強烈飽和的柔和黃色調。讓我們探索使這款十一月生日石如此吸引人的獨特品質。

黃水晶屬於石英家族,具有六方晶體結構。這種美麗的寶石原產於巴西、非洲和西班牙等國家,供應充足。雖然最珍貴的黃水晶寶石是暖黃色,但也有從淡黃色到蜂蜜色、金黃色到近棕色的色調可供選擇。最受珍視和追捧的黃水晶顏色是火紅的橙色。黃水晶最迷人的品質之一是從寶石內部反射的彩虹閃光。

Citrine 來自法語單詞“citron”,意思是(這裡毫不奇怪)檸檬。誰不喜歡閃閃發光的檸檬色寶石?這種耐用的寶石在硬度等級上排名第 7,是引人注目的珠寶。

黃水晶寶石

黃水晶的含義

黃水晶被稱為“光之製造者”,代表活力、促進健康並用作治療水晶。黃水晶是射手座的星座,讓它成為你生命中射手座的美麗禮物!這種治療寶石充滿了明亮、旺盛的能量。黃水晶也被視為循環系統的治療輔助劑,可清潔血液、腎臟和重要器官。在風水中,黃水晶被認為能帶來繁榮、財富和富足。

了解有關黃水晶的更多信息

十一月生日石首飾

這些 11 月生日石的美妙之處在於,您可以選擇最喜歡哪一種!黃玉和黃水晶都以自己獨特的方式獨特而美麗,就像您一樣!無論您選擇佩戴配套的托帕石首飾套裝、華麗的黃水晶戒指,還是將兩種寶石混搭在一起,佩戴十一月生日石首飾的可能性非常多!

無論您是為自己購買生日石首飾,還是想送給特別的人禮物,這些令人驚嘆的寶石都不會出錯。要個性化您的生日石首飾,請購買未鑲嵌的托帕石或黃水晶寶石,並創建一套定制首飾!

購買 11 月生日石


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