A month so nice, they gave it gems twice! While many months are stuck with just one beautiful birthstone, November hits the jackpot with two amazing gems: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in a huge variety of shades. From hot orange to cool blue and everywhere in between, this gemstone complements just about any outfit. Citrine is often confused with topaz because it shares the brilliant yellow color that many topaz stones have. Citrine’s name and color bring to mind a lemon, but this stone is anything but sour. Check out some sweet facts about November’s dual birthstones!
Topaz has a history about as long as you could imagine. The Ancient Greek writer Pliny referenced topaz, and so did the Bible. Maybe it was these references that made topaz so popular in other cultures, too. Hindus and some African cultures believe that topaz is sacred, staving off death and making people wise. During the Renaissance era, topaz was used to break spells and calm anger. While we can’t promise a long life free of anger, we think it’s worth a shot to try a topaz on for size!
Topaz is fairly common, which means it’s got great ties to other cultures. Pink-orange, or imperial, topaz was found in Russia in the 1800s, and so it was named to honor the tzars, who were the only people allowed to own it. Of course, this restriction was lifted, so now everyone who owns this gorgeous gem can feel like the king or queen they truly are.
Today, topaz is found in many places around the world, including Texas and Brazil. In fact, the world’s largest topaz was mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil, weighing in at a breathtaking 596 pounds. But don’t think Brazil only has topaz - they also dominate the citrine market!
Earth-toned citrine is a beautiful way to add some pizazz to your look. These stones range in color from a tawny brown to vivid yellow. While their colors might overlap with topaz, the two stones are actually very different - citrine is very rarely found naturally and is a member of the quartz family, meaning the birthstone is very durable and tough.
When citrine is found, it’s often in a geode as amethyst. These geodes are incredibly large, and when heat is applied, the amethyst turns to citrine and makes the geode look like a cathedral. Amethyst and citrine are basically BFFs - they are often found together and are so close that a third gemstone is formed when they’re together: amethine.
Like topaz, citrine was renowned in early times for its special properties. While topaz is thought to bring wisdom, citrine brings healing, comfort, and calm, citrine has been known to increase prosperity, spark ideas, and symbolize fresh starts. That’s not a bad combination!
Don’t let November babies have all the fun - stop in to Dickinson Jewelers in Dunkirk or Prince Frederick to pick up your topaz and citrine jewelry today.