Topaz, the birthstone for November, represents adoration and love. It is thought to boost the wearer’s strength and intelligence. Find out more about the topaz’s color, history, and lore.
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What shade is topaz, a birthstone?
The colors yellow, orange, blue, or pink are the ones most frequently associated with topaz, though it can also be colorless, green, or brown. The largest crystals of topaz, which must be weighed in kilos rather than carats, are found in the gem industry. One well-known instance is a single, 596-pound clear topaz crystal from Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Read more: Why Are Some Gemstones Associated with Bad Luck?
The color “Imperial Topaz,” which ranges from pinkish-orange to red-orange, is one of the most valuable hues. The color “sherry topaz,” which ranges from brownish-yellow to orange or yellow-brown, is another that is highly prized.
What about Imperial Topaz?
Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, the USA, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka are among the countries that produce topaz. The Ural Mountains in Russia served as the primary source of pink topaz during the 19th century. The color was designated for the imperial family, including the tsars, giving rise to the term “Imperial topaz.” It is less frequent than other topaz colors that occur naturally and is said to resemble the colors of the setting sun.
Pink and reddish-orange tones in a single topaz gemstone. Gem-Pat A’s Daly created the image.
All yellow stones were once referred to be topaz, although this has mostly been corrected since then. Misnomers are still present in several stores nowadays. Don’t be fooled by terms like “quartz topaz,” “Scotch topaz,” or “Spanish topaz, which are misleading for citrine quartz.
Topaz Colour Treatments
It should be mentioned that the majority of the pink topaz sold today was mined in Brazil then heated to enhance the pink hue. A colorless topaz is heated and irradiated to encourage and stabilize the blue color because blue topaz is often pale. Stronger colors, such as “London blue” or “Swiss blue,” are then produced.
“Mystic” topaz is a color that was not produced by nature. It is a transparent topaz that has been heavily iridized by the application of a thin metallic layer.
What does the birthstone topaz resemble?
Topaz has the symbolic significance of eliminating nightmares and temper tantrums. Protection and healing are represented by topaz. Wearers are said to experience a grounding, healing vibe. Legend has it that topaz even drove away madness and enchantment.
Topaz: Color
Golden yellow, ranging from a light gold to a rich yellowish-orange, is the hue of the topaz birthstone. Other hues than the most common blue, such as green, red, pink, and topaz, are also offered. Imperial topaz, which is often referred to as “precious topaz, is identified by its yellow, pink, or pinkish-orange color. Due of its rarity, imperial topaz can be more challenging to locate and buy.
Topaz crystallizes in lava flows or in lava-solidified rocks. It is made up of the mineral silicate of fluorine and aluminum. Topaz is colorless in its most basic state. Topaz is available in every color of the rainbow thanks to tiny imperfections that give the stones their color. Topaz is tough enough for daily use and all types of jewelry, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
What hue represents topaz for November?
Two gems, citrine and topaz, are related to November birthdays. Citrine is thought to be a healing gemstone and its warm color is regarded to be a gift from the sun. Topaz comes in a number of rich colors, including blue, pink, and yellow, but its deep orange Imperial Topaz color is the most sought-after.
Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?
Although Citrine replaced Topaz as the official birthstone for November in the early 1910s after jewelers discovered that adding heat and pressure to amethyst would enable it to become yellow, Topaz is still the traditional birthstone for November due to the rarity of yellow Topaz. Iron imperfections in the gem’s structure are what give it its magnificent color. One of the most well-liked and commonly bought yellow gemstones is this one.
What is the History about the November Birthstones?
Some people think the Sanskrit word tapas, which meaning “fire,” is where the word “topaz” originates. Some attribute it to the Greek topazos. It has long been believed that the birthstone for November has several advantages. Topaz was regarded by the ancient Greeks as a source of power. Given for the thirteenth wedding anniversary, citrine, which is thought to have descended from the French word for “lemon” (citron), has a history of being confused with topaz. People thus believed that citrine possessed the same abilities as topaz. The citrine gemstone was thought to calm the person and settle their anger.
What is the November Birthstone Color?
Topaz and citrine are the two birthstone possibilities for people born in November. Golden yellow is the hue of the birthstone for November. Although topaz comes in a range of hues, yellow is the birthstone for November’s symbol. Since blue topaz is a more common color for topaz and is more accessible than yellow topaz, some people pick it as an alternative. Golden yellow gemstone known as citrine has hues that vary from light yellow to brownish orange.
What is the November Birthstone Meaning?
The word topaz is derived from the Sanskrit tapas, which means fire, and the Greek word topazion. This captivating diamond, one of the most colorful, is available in various varieties. Citrine is thought to be a healing gemstone and is said to be a gift from the sun.
What are Typical November Birthstone Rings?
Finding a yellow topaz is challenging, especially for a reasonable price. Citrine is a lovely birthstone for November since it provides possibilities at cheaper costs. The birthstone rings from Joseph’s Jewelry collection, which come in white, yellow, and rose 14k gold, vividly display the eye-catching color of citrine.
Is the hue of citrine and topaz the same?
Topaz and citrine, two beautiful gemstones, will enliven the winter months in November. Although these stones’ famous blue and yellow hues are frequently not their natural color.
Numerous fortunate women, including November birthday girl George Eliot, are the owners of these brilliant stones. Red carpet babes Anne Hathaway, Scarlett Johansson, Chrissy Teigen, Rachel McAdams, Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Miranda Lambert, and Kendall Jenner are among the November birthday girls. Bo Derek, Grace Kelly, Marie Antoinette, Anna Nicole Smith, and Jimi Hendrix are among famous people from November that have sported a lot of topaz and citrine jewelry. When accepting her Best Actress Oscar for, screen diva Vivien Leigh wore a topaz pendant. Fashion icon Anna Wintour really adores large chunky citrine necklaces “in 1940, Gone with the Wind.
This is a very shiny gem. For a large portion of history, topaz was the name given to all yellow jewels, and all topaz was assumed to be yellow. Topaz comes in a variety of colors and in no colors at all, as we now know better. Topaz is colorless when pure, but impurities can give it whatever color the rainbow can provide. The fact that pink and purple topazes can outshine even the best sapphires is significant.
The most desired topaz color is imperial topaz, which has an intense orange hue with pink undertones. They were once solely worn by royalty because they were named after a Russian Czar. Although it is typically manufactured from colorless topazes, blue topaz is highly popular.
Topaz was formerly a protective gem worn by the Egyptians. It was regarded during the Renaissance as having the ability to dispel spells. In India, it was believed that wearing topaz above the heart would guarantee a long life filled with intelligence and beauty. The stone is used in healing ceremonies by African shamans.
Contrary to other gemstones, topaz’s natural colors aren’t brought on by its chemical makeup but rather by impurities or flaws in its crystal structure. Pink, red, and purple hues are caused by chromium, while yellow, brown, and blue hues are brought on by crystallographic flaws. The fantastic thing about topaz is that it can display various colors in various crystal directions.
One stunning example of topaz jewelry is a bib necklace known as the “most magnificent necklace ever made. It is quite difficult to take your eyes off of and was worn in a number of 1940s films. Another eye-catching piece is a colorless 1680 carat topaz that was originally included in the Portuguese Crown Jewels because it was mistaken for a diamond.
Because some of the largest gemstones ever mined were topazes, topaz has a lot to offer in terms of size. The 21,327 carat blue topaz is the largest cut natural blue topaz “Portuguese Princess. The biggest yellow topaz in nature is the “With a staggering 22,892 carat weight, the American Golden Topaz is breathtaking. If you are having difficulties visualizing how enormous that is, try wearing a ring with a cantaloupe-sized center stone as an example. But where could someone wear something like that?
If you’ll indulge me, come along to 1926 and see the Maharajah of Patiala wearing the stunning ceremonial necklace he had Cartier create for him, studded with a 234.65 yellow diamond and white topazes, diamonds, and rubies. The degree to which this guy adored his bling cannot be overstated. He is the most dazzling cat among all the ones who embellished themselves. Elizabeth Taylor herself would have been impressed. The necklace included about 1000 carats of diamonds in all, and that doesn’t even include the additional stones, like those topazes. In 1928, he also ordered a different necklace with more white topaz.
Since ancient times, citrine has been prized. Despite there being several yellow stones in the town, this one is the most in demand. However, a reddish orange or earthy brown hue is the most common shade of citrine.
It has a pale yellow color, which may be the reason why people frequently mistake it for a yellow topaz. Traces of iron are the reason for the yellow tint. The majority of yellow citrine is actually other types of heat-treated quartz because it is so uncommon. Compared to treated stones, natural citrine is a much lighter yellow. Because treated stones will have a reddish hue, unlike natural citrine, you can distinguish them from natural stones.
It is a fairly resilient stone that is ideal for everyday wear, with a Mohs hardness rating one step (7) below topaz.
Citrine is well renowned for its calming and restorative qualities. According to folklore, it can strengthen muscles, aid in letting go of unpleasant emotions, and act as a wonderful inspiration for one’s imagination.
Citrine was frequently used as the focal stone in brooches and pendants throughout the Victorian era.
More than 20 carats in size is not out of the question and is definitely readily available. This gem comes in a variety of unusual cuts as well. And because its price-per-carat doesn’t rise as carats increase like some other gems do, sizes up to 20 carats are reasonable, so it won’t cost an arm and a leg to buy a large stone.
The Duchess of Cambridge is the queen of citrine and the royal family. One from the past and one from the present. Wallis Simpson, the former Duchess of Cambridge, lived a life that was truly adorned with diamonds. How many women can truly declare that their partner gave up the kingdom for them? She owned one stunning citrine tiara, and she had an insatiable thirst for jewelry. Kate Middleton, the reigning Duchess of Cambridge, too like citrine jewelry and has a stunning pair of citrine earrings.
November’s diamonds are the way to go if you want to make a statement. They have the most exquisite hues, and they won’t break the bank. They can also serve as a good alternative to expensive diamonds, especially when they are over 10 carats in weight. But the main reason is that they’re just so gorgeous. Some people, who have access to anything they choose, like to wear topaz and citrine gemstones. And with this diamond, you can truly afford to purchase the same carat size as the aristocracy. You say that a lot, how often?
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Is topaz or citrine my birthstone?
Topaz and citrine are two lovely birthstones that can be worn by people born in November. While topaz is available in a wide range of colours, citrine is renowned for its lovely yellow and orange tones. Both birthstones for November are thought to provide relaxing qualities that also bring luck and warmth to the bearer. Since high-quality gems like topaz and citrine are not as scarce as for many of their contemporaries, these birthstones are often priced reasonably. As a result, people who were born in November have a wide range of alternatives. Choosing one will be your biggest issue.
Does topaz resemble citrine?
Topaz and citrine, which belong to the quartz family, are separate mineral species. Not quartz, although the silicate mineral family includes topaz. Before these distinctions were understood, many cultures misidentified citrine, a yellow type of quartz, by calling it various names like gold topaz, Madeira topaz, or Spanish topaz, which added to the confusion.
Topaz or citrine, which is superior?
Imperial topaz is the gem used to commemorate a marriage’s 23rd anniversary, while blue topaz is customarily chosen to honor a couple’s fourth wedding anniversary.
Topaz was regarded to give power to the ancient Greeks, and from the 1300s to the 1600s, it was believed to be able to ward off evil spells and calm rage throughout Europe. For many years, Indians believed that wearing a topaz pendant above the heart would bring about long life, wisdom, and beauty.
All clear yellow, orange, or brown gemstones were referred to as topaz until the turn of the 20th century. As a result, topaz was supposed to have a golden colour and attract wealth and gold to the wearer.
Topaz is quite harda Mohs scale 8but not extremely tough, thus it needs to be cleaned carefully. (Recall that the Mohs’ scale of hardness is used to categorize minerals.) Because topaz is sensitive to high heat, avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners on the stone. Topaz should be cleaned with warm, soapy water, advises Southern California-based bespoke jeweler Shmukler Design, to stop cracking.
Topaz is usually stable in the presence of light, but extended exposure to heat or too much sunlight can cause the yellow-to-brown varieties of the gem to lose their color. To be safe, remove the topaz gem when washing jewelry with chemicals. Topaz may also be somewhat impacted by some chemicals.
The handcrafted coating of the Mystic Topaz can survive normal wear, but it does require gentle cleaning. If you have treated your birthstone in this manner, clean it with a gentle soap solution.
Let’s move on to Citrine now:
Citrine is a clear yellow to brownish-orange form of quartz that has been used in jewelry for hundreds of years but wasn’t initially recognized as the birthstone for November. It was initially mistaken for topaz, the other birthstone for November. Citrine is said to have been named after the French word for lemon, citron, as its citrus tints would imply. Instead of lemon, residues of iron are what give the food its yellow to orange color.
Ancient Greeks fashioned citrine into jewellery made of rock crystal, while Roman pontiffs wore rings with enormous amethysts that were likely citrine. In Victorian jewelry, citrine was also quite popular in Scotland, and today, citrine is the customary gift on a 13th wedding anniversary.
Because natural citrine is so rare, the majority of it that is currently available on the market was created by heating amethyst.
Spain, Bolivia, Mexico, Madagascar, and Uruguay are the main exporters of this gemstone for November. Brazil is a popular mining location for amethyst that has been heated to a citrine hue.
Many people originally thought citrine had the same alleged calming properties as November’s second birthstone since it is often confused with topaz. Today, supporters of citrine extol its unique “powers, including fostering individual clarity and creativity and reducing negative inclinations. The qualities of hope, youth, vigor, health, happiness, and fidelity are also considered to be connected to citrine.
Finally, from the second millennium BCE until the end of the Han dynasty in 220 CE, people who lived in China termed citrine the “The emperors of that era believed that wearing the gem helped them develop their minds and sharpen their intellects, and they referred to it as the “stone of success.”
Citrine, which rates a 7 on the Mohs scale, is as hard as topaz, the other November birthstone, but citrine has superior toughness characteristics. Citrine can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and is resilient enough for everyday use. If you’d like, you can clean your citrine jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner, but since steam cleaning could result in cracks, we strongly advise against it.
What stands for topaz?
- Topaz is truly colorless, but impurities can give it nearly any hue, with conventional tones ranging from yellow to amber.
- Blue topaz is extremely rare in nature; those that are routinely sold have undergone treatment.
- The most expensive variety of topaz is imperial topaz, a reddish orange stone with pink undertones.
Topaz Symbolism
- The Greeks of antiquity thought that topaz could render its wearer invisible.
- The stone was additionally believed to reduce rage and stabilize powerful emotions.
- Topaz was viewed as a sign of strength and honor, and it was thought to bring sagacity and knowledge.
What birthstone has the rarest stone?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
Why do November have two birthstones?
The 12 stones of the High Priest’s breastplate recorded in Exodus are thought to be the origin of the concept of birthstones. Wearing one stone per month of the year was formerly a widespread habit. The Jewelers of America sought to standardize birthstones in 1912. Modern birthstones are chosen primarily on what can be sold in huge quantities the quickest. Thus, there are two birthstones for November. The original birthstone was topaz, but citrine was eventually introduced as a less expensive substitute.