Full Information for the November Birthstones

When you had been born in November, you’ve got two November birthstones to select from: topaz and citrine. These two treasured gems have lots of similarities, together with their yellow, orange, and brown shade palettes. For that reason, topaz and citrine have been generally confused and misidentified for hundreds of years, not solely with one another however with a wide range of different gem stones as properly. 

On this article, we’ll inform you every little thing it’s essential to learn about topaz and citrine, the November birthstones.

What Are the Birthstones for November? 

There are two November birthstones: topaz and citrine. 

Topaz is a silicate mineral that sometimes has gold brown, yellow, and orange hues. It might even be colorless or icy blue, pale inexperienced, fiery purple, and even purple, although these colours are virtually at all times achieved with warmth remedy. Pure pink, purple, and golden forms of topaz are the toughest to search out. The sort of topaz is usually referred to as “imperial topaz.” 

What makes this November birthstone stand out is the truth that it is available in a number of the largest crystal sizes on the earth. The largest ones are measured in kilos, not carats. Topaz primarily comes from Brazil, the place it’s known as “treasured topaz.” Whereas treasured topaz is the birthstone of November, blue topaz marks the month of December. 

Citrine is a kind of quartz whose shade palette varies from pale yellow to brown. It’s much less useful than topaz, and due to this fact extra inexpensive. As a result of most citrines are heat-treated, it’s fairly difficult to search out pure citrine. This November gemstone has been utilized in jewellery ever since historical occasions, and to at the present time, it continues to be the most well-liked yellow gemstone on the earth. 

Other than being the birthstone for the month of November, it’s additionally the gem for the 13^th marriage ceremony anniversary. 

Myths and Historical past of November Birthstones 

Earlier than we talk about the historical past of topaz and citrine, it’s vital to say that these two gem stones had been thought of to be the identical till the start of the twentieth century. Earlier than that second arrived, all yellow, orange and brown gem stones had been regarded as topaz. These two November birthstones had been recognized as separate gems within the Nineteen Thirties, because of the event of trendy gemology. 

The phrase “topaz” could come from the Greek phrase topazos, whereas others consider it originated from the Sanskrit phrase tapas, which means “hearth.” In historical occasions, topaz was believed to have magical properties that would grant its wearer power. All through the Center Ages, topaz was linked with lengthy life, magnificence, and intelligence. In keeping with different superstitions, topaz might remedy fevers, lunacy, and blindness. In the present day, individuals affiliate topaz with success, confidence, and ambition. 

Individuals known as citrine the “service provider’s stone” or the “cash stone” because it was believed that it might convey prosperity and wellbeing. Attributable to its pale-yellow shade, the time period “citrine” comes from the French phrase citron, which implies “lemon.” The phrase might be traced again additional to the Latin time period citrina, which implies “yellow.” 

In Historical Egypt, citrine was thought to have magic powers, and folks used them as talismans to thrust back evil. In contrast to topaz, citrine was worn as jewellery for hundreds of years. In the present day, citrine is an emblem of vitality, wealth, abundance, pleasure, and good luck. 

Mining Places of Topaz and Citrine

Each November birthstones have been round for hundreds of years. 

There are topaz deposits all around the world. Nevertheless, most topaz comes from Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais, the place giant deposits had been found midway by means of the 19^th century. That can also be the place the world’s largest clear topaz was discovered, weighing an spectacular 596 kilos (271 kilos). 

One other well-known residence of the topaz gemstone is Topaz Mountain, situated in the Thomas Vary in Utah. Different mining places of topaz embody the Chivinar volcano in South America, the Ural and Ilmensky Mountains in Russia, in addition to Pakistan, Norway, Nigeria, Mexico, the USA, Australia, Sri Lanka, and extra. Pink topaz, which is the rarest shade, might be present in Northwestern Pakistan. 

One of the useful sources of citrine is the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Pure, unheated citrine will also be discovered within the Anahí mine in Bolivia, which was misplaced for 30 years after which rediscovered within the second half of the 20^th century. Curiously, this mysterious mine produces a mixture of citrine and amethyst, which is in any other case identified as ametrine. Different citrine deposits embody the mines in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in addition to Uruguay, Spain, Mexico, and Madagascar. 

Bodily Properties of Topaz and Citrine

As beforehand talked about, topaz and citrine had been labeled as the identical gemstone till not too long ago. That’s as a result of it’s practically unimaginable to distinguish these two stones, even to educated gemologists. The one issue that units them aside is their hardness. 

Topaz is significantly heavier than citrine (roughly 25% per equal quantity) because it’s a nesosilicate mineral. In different phrases, it’s one of many hardest naturally occurring minerals, rating 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Citrine, however, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This distinction in weight distinguishes the two November birthstones with equal volumes. 

Topaz types in magmatic and igneous rocks and might weigh tons of of kilos. It has a pure colorless state, however because of aluminum and fluorine impurities, it’s potential to search out topaz in yellow, orange, brown, inexperienced, pink, purple, and blue colours. Topaz can also be pleochroic, which implies that it may well show the so-called rainbow impact. The sort of topaz is additionally known as “mystic topaz.” Topaz can also be notable as a result of it’s slippery to the contact. 

Citrine seems in huge hole crystal-lined amethyst geodes. It primarily shows earth tones, equivalent to brown, pale yellow, reddish-orange, and such. These colours happen because of colloidal ferric hydroxide impurities inside the crystalline construction. Curiously sufficient, most “citrine” gems available on the market are literally heat-treated amethyst and smoky quartz stones. Discovering pure, untreated citrine may be very difficult in in the present day’s gem financial system. 

November Birthstones in Jewellery

As beforehand talked about, topaz and citrine have been utilized in jewellery for hundreds of years. 

Since topaz shows a wide range of colours, it may be worn with nearly any kind of jewellery. Essentially the most sought-after topaz colours are purple and orange, and they’re sometimes mixed with gold. It might be lower into many sizes and styles. Since topaz often comes with elongated or columnar shapes, oval, spherical, cushion, triangle, emerald, and pear cuts are immensely in style. Topaz is typically used for faceted gems or cabochons. 

Topaz can also be generally mixed with diamonds, creating sharp shade distinction. They will even exchange diamonds, as they make a superb, budget-friendly different. Followers of blue topaz stones can put on them with silver, platinum, and diamonds. Topaz might be worn as earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. They’re fairly favorable as a result of they make elegant gems with a delicate luster. 

Citrine was closely utilized in jewellery in Historical Greece. It was extremely stylish within the Nineteen Thirties and Forties, worn by well-known Hollywood actresses and different celebrities. Since citrine has a yellow hue generally, gold makes it stand out much more. Similar to all different types of quartz, citrine is on the market in a wide range of sizes and styles. It might be carved, custom-cut, or calibrated. Citrine additionally appears lovely in silver or platinum settings. They make inexpensive options to diamonds and yellow sapphires. 

Value and Worth of Topaz and Citrine 

Topaz and citrine are valued in accordance with various factors and requirements. Citrine is rather more widespread than topaz, which makes it extra fairly priced. In contrast with different treasured gem stones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, topaz can also be less expensive. Due to this fact, when you’re planning to purchase topaz and citrine jewellery, you’ve got all kinds to select from. 

When all yellow stones had been regarded as topaz, they was once rather more costly. In the present day, a one-carat topaz stone can price as little as $25. Warmth-treated topaz can price even much less, relying on its high quality. Imperial topaz instructions the next value, starting from $1,000 to $3,500. It often is available in stones weighing fewer than 5 carats. 

Naturally occurring blue topaz is extraordinarily uncommon, so any blue topaz you discover on sale was most certainly heat-treated. A majority of these topaz gems are additionally not too pricy. 

Citrine is the most well-liked yellow-orange gemstone. Since most citrine gem stones available on the market have gone by means of some type of remedy, they’re broadly obtainable and extra inexpensive than different gem stones, even when they’re fairly giant. A citrine stone can price from $10 to $30 per carat. If the citrine has gone by means of any type of remedy, it’s more likely to be on the decrease finish of the pricing scale. 

What Are the Most Costly Varieties of Topaz and Citrine?

The rarest and most dear topaz selection is imperial topaz. It typically comes from the Ouro Preto mines of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The Ural Mountains in Russia are one other giant imperial topaz deposit. Relying on the dimensions and the high quality of imperial topaz, the value can fluctuate from $1,000 to $3,500. 

The explanation imperial topaz is so pricy in comparison with different forms of this stone is that they’re not often handled or enhanced. This gemstone seems in peach, pink, orange, or golden-brown colours. What’s extra, as of not too long ago, imperial topaz turned thought of a uncommon collector’s gem, which implies it’s extraordinarily arduous to come by. 

Citrine isn’t an costly gemstone, regardless of what number of carats it weighs. As with all gem stones, the higher the citrine’s high quality, shade, and readability, the extra worth it has. Moreover, the extra saturated the yellow or orange the colour, the greater the value. Smoky citrine gems with seen inclusions are on the decrease finish of the value scale. 

Pure citrine is exceedingly uncommon since most citrine stones obtainable have gone by means of some type of enhancement. Due to this fact, pure, unheated citrines would undoubtedly go for the next value. Customized-cut citrine stones are additionally more likely to price extra.

Store Our November Birthstone Ring Assortment

Listed here are a few of our November Birthstones from our assortment.

Buying Suggestions for the November Topaz Birthstones 

When purchasing for a topaz stone, there are a few issues it’s essential to contemplate: 

1. Seek for an Even, Vivid Colour 

Since topaz sometimes isn’t high-priced, you’ll find numerous colours, sizes, and cuts. In the case of shade, it’s really helpful you search for a topaz with intense saturation. Most beneficial are orange, purple, and pink topaz stones. The colour you select ought to rely in your private desire, however ensure you select a topaz with vivid shade. 

2. Select a Form That Works for You 

You will get actually inventive with the lower of your topaz. Since they’re mined in such giant sizes, they are often lower into nearly any form. The preferred ones are pear, oval, marquise, cushion, emerald, spherical, and comparable cuts. To maximise the colour capability of the topaz, it is best to go together with an emerald lower. 

3. Handled vs. Untreated Topaz 

As beforehand talked about, it’s significantly difficult to discover a topaz that wasn’t handled. Needless to say pure, untreated topaz is certain to price greater than a handled one. 

4. Ask for a Certificates for Imperial Topaz 

If you wish to purchase an imperial topaz, it is best to ask for a certificates that proves its authenticity. It’s simple to create synthetic gem stones, so a lab-approved certificates is important. 

5. Buying Suggestions for the November Citrine Birthstones 

To seek out the proper citrine, listed here are a few issues to look out for: 

6. Search for Eye-Clear Citrine 

Since citrine isn’t costly, ensure you discover the absolute best one. One of many components it’s essential to contemplate is the citrine’s readability. Eye-visible inclusions are usually not widespread on this gemstone, so discovering an eye-clear citrine gained’t be robust. 

7. Select a Citrine With Intense Saturation 

Citrines often have a pale-yellow shade, whereas extra intensely coloured ones are extra useful. It’s additionally potential to search out vivid orange, purple, and brown hues. 

8. Assume About Carat Weight 

If carat weight is vital to you, citrine is available in a wide range of sizes. You’ll be able to even discover citrine gem stones weighing 20 carats for a low value. 

November Birthstone Colours

Topaz is available in a wide range of colours, and you may even discover colorless topaz. Essentially the most valued topaz stones have a fiery, saturated purple shade. Imperial topaz additionally shows purple, orange, peach, pink, and champagne colours. Typically, an imperial topaz may even have traces of violet hues. To be categorized as imperial topaz, a gemstone has to include a reddish pleochroic shade. Irrespective of how intense their shade is, sure imperial topaz gem stones can fade if they’re uncovered to daylight for a lengthy time frame. 

As soon as topaz goes by means of warmth remedy or every other kind of enhancement, they are often mild inexperienced, wine purple, pale grey, reddish-orange, or peach. In the case of blue topaz, they happen very not often in nature. That’s why handled blue topaz is extraordinarily inexpensive and typically obtainable. When you see a blue topaz with an intense saturation, it’s most certainly faux. Topaz can even have two colours concurrently, by which case it’s known as a bicolor topaz. 

Citrine, however, primarily shows earthy colours. That contains brownish orange, pale yellow, and reddish-orange. Similar to topaz, pure, untreated citrine is uncommon. Nevertheless, most citrine stones bought commercially are a results of amethyst and smoky quartz remedy. 

Cleansing Topaz and Citrine Jewellery

When you purchase a topaz or a citrine, it’s essential to take correct care of them so you may put on them for so long as potential. 

Although topaz is tougher than most gem stones (with a hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale), it may well fracture or shatter with sufficient influence pressure. What’s extra, topaz might be brittle alongside its crystal lattice traces. Due to this fact, it’s finest to not put on your topaz jewellery whenever you plan to do some actions that may hurt it. 

While you’re not carrying your topaz, it is best to retailer it individually in a smooth material or padded container. As talked about earlier than, some sorts of topaz are delicate to daylight, and if they’re uncovered for too lengthy, their shade can fade. So, if potential, keep away from exposing it to the solar, and don’t preserve it by the window. To wash your topaz, use lukewarm water and a smooth material. Keep away from any chemical substances and keep away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners. 

Citrine is softer than topaz, so it’s essential to be additional cautious to not injury it. If in case you have a heat-treated citrine, observe that its shade may fade if it’s uncovered to warmth. The identical factor goes for cleansing your citrine jewellery; use heat water, a smooth material, and a gentle detergent. As well as, in case your citrine has a low high quality, solely clear it by hand. 

Keep away from stream or boil cleansing strategies, in addition to ultrasonic cleaners. When you plan to go swimming in a pool, it’s crucial to take away your citrine earlier than doing so. 

In contrast to most months of the 12 months, November comes with two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is an enthralling, golden brown and honey yellow gemstone, an wonderful different to diamonds and different gems. Citrine is a extra widespread gemstone that shows yellow, orange, and brown colours, and it’s one other stone that appears lovely mixed with gold and diamonds. 

Attain out to our consultants for extra info and to purchase a birthstone piece of jewellery.