Happy birthday to our November readers and customers! Want to learn more about this birthstone? We’d like to share some interesting facts with you about November’s birthstone. If you want to know ALL of the birthstones, history and meaning of birthstones, read “Do you know your birthstone and its meaning”?
November Birthstones
November is one of the lucky months that have two choices for birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is the primary birthstone for November. These two gems get mixed up a lot since they are alike in color. Read more about these birthstones below.
Topaz
November’s most identified birthstone is topaz, which has a long history. Topaz can be found in many ancient talismans and artifacts. There was a medieval custom of giving topaz rings to heads of state, diplomats and royalty because topaz was often used to promote wisdom in the wearer. With its beauty and affordable prices, topaz is a gem that any wise jewelry buyer can enjoy.
The topaz gem varies in color from colorless to blue, champagne, yellow, orange, red and pink. As a birthstone, this gem is said to balance emotions to promote a harmonious lifestyle.
Topaz is believed by some to increase understanding, strengthen breathing, prevent colds, enhance creativity, bring relaxation, control angry passions, restore energy and aid in tissue regeneration.
Topaz and quartz are often confused because of their similar colors. The champagne color of topaz isoften mistaken for smoky quartz. Blue topaz is the most common form of the gem.
Most experts agree the name topaz is from Topazios, an ancient Greek name of an island in the Red Sea. For centuries, topaz was thought to be only yellow. Today we know topaz comes in a broad color range which includes various tones and saturations of red, pink, purple, yellow, orange, and brown, as well as blue and green. Topaz also comes colorless. When a colorless topaz is manipulated with a coating, it forms mystic topaz prized for its rainbow colors in the light. The red and pink topaz varieties are treasured as they are rare.
Citrine
Another one of the birthstones for November is citrine which is part of the quartz family, and one of the top-selling transparent gems in the yellow to orange color range. The name is derived from the Latin word “citrina” meaning yellow. This beautiful gem is a warm, attractive color with excellent wearability and a moderate price.
People believe that citrine carries the same powers as topaz, including the ability to soothe anger, calm tempers, and manifest desires such as prosperity. Egyptians were known to use citrine gems as talismans to leverage these powers. Roman priests made this stone into rings, and the ancient Greeks would carve iconic images embedded with citrine.
Citrine is typically faceted in traditional rounds and fancy shapes. It can also come in more unusual cuts and carving. Leading jewelry designers like to combine diamonds and citrine together to create multi-colored jewelry with contrasting colors.
This unique gem is said to support vitality and promote health and is commonly known as the healing quartz. The color ranges from a soft yellow right up to an intense, fiery orange. It is a very durable and strong gemstone as it comes in at a seven on the MOHS score and is perfect for wearing as jewelry because of its durability.
Natural citrine is mined in the Ural Mountains of Russia and the island of Madagascar. Because natural citrine is so rare, most citrine is created by heat treating purple amethyst. The natural stone is pale while the heat treated gem is more vibrant in color.
Other Birthstones
If you want to read about other birthstones, click on the month here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and December. You can look through the calendar months to learn a bit more about each of these birthstones, as described by the American Gem Society.
Stop by one of Albert’s four locations to find the perfect birthstone that you are looking for! Albert’s has been family owned and operated since 1927. No matter what part of the Tri-Cities you’re in, we have a location to serve you. With four Albert’s Pawn locations (Downtown Johnson City, North Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport), getting top dollar for your items for pawn loans and finding that item you’ve been looking for at an unbeatable price has never been easier. Stop by and see why Albert’s Pawn is the premier pawnshop in the area.
