Birthstone Spotlight: Topaz And Citrine Capture The Autumn Glow Of November
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Those individuals with November birthdays have a choice when it comes to which stone they prefer featured in their celebratory jewelry pieces – both Topaz and Citrine are considered birthstones for November. The stones have a few nuances of color in common, but they are quite different in their makeup.
Topaz
Topaz is a fluorine aluminum silicate and comes in yellow, yellow-brown, honey-yellow, flax, brown, green, blue, light blue, red and pink. It is most commonly found in yellow, but the most prized color of topaz, imperial topaz, features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. In mysticism, the stones are said to protect the wearers against enemies and dispel sadness. They are also viewed as a symbol of beauty and splendor. Topaz is considerably harder and heavier than quartz and has a high refractive index. Topaz is most commonly found in its yellow state, but blue topaz happens to be the state gemstone of Texas. For several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems were called topaz. The gemstone is still often confused with citrine quartz and smoky quartz.
Citrine
Citrine is a member of the large quartz family and its name is derived from its color – the yellow of citrus. Like topaz, citrine is also a relatively durable stone and is thus difficult to scratch. Citrine can be found in a variety of warm shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brown-orange. This gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature, but the boom on these golden stones didn’t begin until the late 1930s in Europe.
