November Birthstones: Citrine & (Yellow) Topaz
November’s birthstones share some properties and are often confused with one another. Topaz was the original birthstone, and citrine was added later to be a more affordable option for customers of the jewelry industry. Citrine is typically given as a 13th wedding anniversary present, while blue topaz is associated with fourth anniversaries and Imperial Topaz* is commonly gifted for 23rd anniversaries.
Throughout history, topaz was believed to symbolize love and affection. It also supposedly increases the strength and intellect of those who wear it. For centuries, the word ‘topaz’ was used to describe any, and all, yellow gemstones. Thanks to advances in technology and general knowledge, we can now give all of these gorgeous yellow stones the propper names and appreciation. Topaz is often found in Pakistan and Brazil.
When it comes to the color of topaz, yellow is far from the only possible shade. Pure topaz is actually clear, but impurities present during the stone’s formation can lead to a wide array of possible colors. Blue topaz is rarely found in nature, meaning if you see some, it was more than likely treated post-extraction to achieve the hue. To go one step further, Imperial Topaz* is the rarest and most expensive variation. This form of topaz is an orange and reddish color with vibrant pink undertones that come together to make a mind-blowing stone.
Topaz was long-believed to possess some amazing healing qualities. In the middle-ages, it was common practice for people to grind up topaz and mix it with their wine so they would be ensured a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, topaz was kown reduce the effects of asthma and fevers, improve vision, and help fight off chances of a premature death. It was also believed that if one were to dream of topaz at night, problems they were facing in life would suddenly begin to resolve themselves. Topaz is often found in Pakistan and Brazil.
The younger brother of the November birthstones, citrine, is a peculiar gemstone, to say the least. Rarely found naturally formed, a majority of the citrine you’ll see is actually treated amethyst or smoky quartz. These stones, when subjected to heat treatments, begin to shift colors to the yellow/amber colored citrine gemstone we all know and love. These stones can be found in warm climates such as: Spain, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Madagascar, as well as others. However, most of the amethyst that is then treated for yellow coloring is mined in Brazil. Strangely enough, there are amethyst deposits, mostly in Bolivia, where the present conditions are conducive to high temperatures. These mines contain an extremely rare combination of amethyst and citrine stones, as well as the very unique Ametrine. These yellow and purple gemstones are products of natural heat-treated amethyst stones that have not fully changed color, leaving up to a 50-50 split of contrasting colors.
Years ago, citrine and yellow topaz were commonly confused for one another. This led to the belief that citrine contained all of the same healing properties and benefits of topaz. Some of these benefits include healing, calming, increased wealth, as well as fighting off the effects of a venomous snake bite. Later, citrine began to be known as “Healing Quartz” due to the belief that it improved energy and vitality in those who wore it.
Stop by Malak Jewelers today to browse our collection of topaz and citrine jewelry, other gemstones, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, 22k gold, estate jewelry, rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and other fine jewelry. We are located in South Charlotte, North Carolina, in The Arboretum Shopping Center at the corner of Providence Road and Pineville-Matthews / Highway 51. We are open from 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday.
Throughout history, topaz was believed to symbolize love and affection. It also supposedly increases the strength and intellect of those who wear it. For centuries, the word ‘topaz’ was used to describe any, and all, yellow gemstones. Thanks to advances in technology and general knowledge, we can now give all of these gorgeous yellow stones the propper names and appreciation. Topaz is often found in Pakistan and Brazil.
When it comes to the color of topaz, yellow is far from the only possible shade. Pure topaz is actually clear, but impurities present during the stone’s formation can lead to a wide array of possible colors. Blue topaz is rarely found in nature, meaning if you see some, it was more than likely treated post-extraction to achieve the hue. To go one step further, Imperial Topaz* is the rarest and most expensive variation. This form of topaz is an orange and reddish color with vibrant pink undertones that come together to make a mind-blowing stone.
Topaz was long-believed to possess some amazing healing qualities. In the middle-ages, it was common practice for people to grind up topaz and mix it with their wine so they would be ensured a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, topaz was kown reduce the effects of asthma and fevers, improve vision, and help fight off chances of a premature death. It was also believed that if one were to dream of topaz at night, problems they were facing in life would suddenly begin to resolve themselves. Topaz is often found in Pakistan and Brazil.
The younger brother of the November birthstones, citrine, is a peculiar gemstone, to say the least. Rarely found naturally formed, a majority of the citrine you’ll see is actually treated amethyst or smoky quartz. These stones, when subjected to heat treatments, begin to shift colors to the yellow/amber colored citrine gemstone we all know and love. These stones can be found in warm climates such as: Spain, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Madagascar, as well as others. However, most of the amethyst that is then treated for yellow coloring is mined in Brazil. Strangely enough, there are amethyst deposits, mostly in Bolivia, where the present conditions are conducive to high temperatures. These mines contain an extremely rare combination of amethyst and citrine stones, as well as the very unique Ametrine. These yellow and purple gemstones are products of natural heat-treated amethyst stones that have not fully changed color, leaving up to a 50-50 split of contrasting colors.
Years ago, citrine and yellow topaz were commonly confused for one another. This led to the belief that citrine contained all of the same healing properties and benefits of topaz. Some of these benefits include healing, calming, increased wealth, as well as fighting off the effects of a venomous snake bite. Later, citrine began to be known as “Healing Quartz” due to the belief that it improved energy and vitality in those who wore it.
Stop by Malak Jewelers today to browse our collection of topaz and citrine jewelry, other gemstones, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, 22k gold, estate jewelry, rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and other fine jewelry. We are located in South Charlotte, North Carolina, in The Arboretum Shopping Center at the corner of Providence Road and Pineville-Matthews / Highway 51. We are open from 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday.