November Birthstones: Meaning, Benefits and Best Jewelry

What are the birthstones for November? What is the meaning behind every November birthstone? There are two official November gemstones: topaz and citrine. Each of these stones has a purpose, history, and use. Both of these gems look oddly similar to each other. If you're someone born in November, you have two great options. If you are a big fan of birthstone jewelry, these two stones will never disappoint you. Let us learn more about these two stunning October gemstones in this blog dedicated to them.

It was once assumed throughout history that all yellow gems were once associated with topaz and that the general color of the topaz gemstone is yellow. In reality and actuality, topaz comes in a wide variety of colors. Topaz is unrelated to all the colors that caused it to be called this way. This beautiful gemstone has long shrugged off its association with the yellow color and now boasts dazzling sets of gemstone colors that can give more precious gems a run for their money. This gemstone was named after Topazios, a Greek name for the famous St. John's Island in the Red Sea. Were the topaz stones first mined here? Well, not really. However, most of the stones that were mined here were yellow. Later on, the yellow stones were associated with the name topaz. However, not all yellow stones mined from that place were the topaz stones we know.

Fortunately, society has embraced this name for one of the famous gemstones now sold in the market. In reality, pure topaz is initially colorless. However, it can acquire various kinds of colors due to the impurities it gets. One of the most distinguishing features of this November gemstone is its capability to take on the rainbow's different colors, all thanks to the impurities it could acquire during the process. Because of this copying feature of this November birthstone, it can often be mistaken as citrine quartz and, sometimes, smoky quartz. Quartz and topaz are two different gemstones, though. The most popular variety of topaz is known as the Imperial Topaz. This most prized gem features a striking color of orange and a splashing pink undertone.

Another famous topaz in the market is known as the Blue Topaz. However, no matter how popular, it is rarely naturally produced. Usually, the abundant number of blue topaz in the market is caused by irradiation treatment. Topaz rates eight on the Mohs scale; this birthstone for November is a durable gemstone perfect as jewelry and accessories. During ancient times, prominent people considered the topaz one of the most special gemstones. Texts from the Greek writer Pliny mention the topaz gemstone. King James Version of the Bible referenced the said November birthstone. However, since there was confusion during the former times about yellow stones and topaz, researchers believed that they could also be referring simply to the yellow stones, which were also abundant during the ancient times. Nevertheless, this gemstone has had one of the most prominent exposures long before.

In the Renaissance time in Europe, when witches and priestcrafts were quite popular, people considered topaz one of the most effective talismans. Europeans believed this topaz gemstone could break evil spells and dispel anger. In Hindu belief, on the other hand, this fascinating stone was held sacred. A topaz gem can extend the owner's knowledge, wisdom, and life extension. For the African shamans, a perfect healing aid came in the presence of the topaz stone. During the 19th century, the Ural Mountains of Russia were recognized as one of the most prominent gem producers. It was here that the Imperial Topaz was first mined. The variety of topaz was so prevalent and expensive that only royalty could wear and own the stone. However, everything changed when topaz mines were discovered in Brazil during the mid-19th century. Since then, the striking gemstone has become more affordable and accessible. Many processes that alter the topaz look have been discovered, which also made the topaz one of the most inexpensive gemstones in the market.

Like Quartz, Topaz is a powerful gemstone. The stone is believed to bring balance to the life of the owner. It can balance the emotions, decisions, and mental struggles of owning it. It also can help the owner release tension and hidden emotions in their systems. The topaz is also one of the gemstones that can significantly bring joy and open doors of opportunity to the one who owns it. Topaz is also a gemstone that can bring success and good fortune to the one who possesses it. Synchronicity is another benefit of this November birthstone. It also acts as a talisman, a protector, from any possible misfortune, especially with bad luck associated with the evil eye. People looking for spiritual love, peace, and balance should get one of the topaz gemstones. It is also a gem associated with the arts as it is believed to bring creativity and passion to the owner's life.

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The second gemstone of November is the citrine gem. It is a precious gem ranging from pale yellow to fiery brown-orange. The name citrine came from the word citrus, thanks to the features of the said stone strikingly similar to the citrus fruits' colors. The colors of citrine are often too similar to the topaz, another birthstone of November. Perhaps this is why citrine and topaz are always mistaken throughout history. The iron in the quartz causes the prominent yellow color in the citrine stone. However, naturally, this does not occur as often. The market's increasingly abundant yellow citrine stones have already been chemically treated. The most significant producer of citrine gems in Brazil. Other sources come from the United States, Spain, Bolivia, and Madagascar. Because of the difference in geography, a slight difference in yellow shade is noticeable.

Citrine has a grade of 7 on the hardness scale. This makes the said gemstone a perfect embellishment in jewelry pieces. Since 1385, citrine's popularity has already been established. However, these two had a mistaken identity because of the stone's similarity to the topaz. In reality, citrine and the topaz gem have different characteristics and are also completely unrelated. Currently, the differences between these stones have already been established. But during ancient times, when discoveries were limited, many people called the yellow version of quartz yellow topaz, adding to the confusion about the two gems. Since citrine is often misidentified as topaz, it has similar powers to it. Citrine is said to bring calm, soothe anger, express desire, and help the owner prosper.

Ancient Egyptians used this stone as a talisman, while Roman priests made them into rings. Because of the citrine's bright, vibrant colors, the said stone is often associated with joy and gladness. Those who possess this stone will receive a new sense of happiness and vibrancy. It can bring good fortune and good luck though these ways can come in purely unexpected moments. Citrine's ability to bring prosperity to its owners' lives is so distinct that it has received the title "the Success Stone." One area where citrine brings success is in the business industry. This is why citrine is also called the "Merchant's Success Stone." This yellow and orange stone also brings a spirit of generosity, letting the abundance of success be shared. Citrine absorbs the negative energy around its owner, allowing good vibes to reign supreme in a person's life. If unwanted energies exist in someone's life, a citrine gem can help dissipate issues and apparent misunderstandings. It can bring stability to emotional health and well-being, as well.

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Citrine and topaz are stunning jewelry additions to your wardrobe and make excellent meaningful gifts, too! Do you know anyone born in November? Or is someone interested in a bit of a pick-me-up gift that will surely bring a whole new brightness to her life? Consider surprising them with the assistance of topaz and citrine. They won't only have it as an accessory but also as their good luck charm. Who can beat that kind of gift? To find cute and stunning pieces of citrine and topaz jewelry, visit iceCarats.com's collection! Indulge and discover! There are a lot of beauties to uncover! Keep sparkling!