November Birthstone: Topaz & Citrine
Sky blue Topaz, Silver, Hallmarked
Born in November, you are lucky enough to have two birthstones that bring a bit of colour, sunshine and warm to the dark winter months; topaz and citrine. I love topaz. It comes in many colours, some not natural, and it is quite often treated for colour, however, this doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stone. Whilst topaz comes in a rainbow of colours; citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both November birthstones are known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth.
Topaz symbolises love, passion and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect. Originally located in Brazil, it can now be found today in places such as Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It measures a pretty solid 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but it has poor toughness, so care is required to avoid chipping or cracking.
The word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire”. It is because of its fiery nature that this sun filled birthstone is associated with high self-esteem and good fortune. The ancient history Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible and in Europe and Indian cultures, Topaz was considered the stone of Jupiter; it represented rule over ones own life, self-realisation and wisdom.
Topaz, Diamond, 9 ct gold - Remodel
Spiritually it assists us to shape our lives according to our own wishes. Mentally it helps us to become fully aware of our own influence based on ability and real knowledge gained through hard work, and then use this meaningfully. Physically topaz fortifies the nerves and stimulates the energy flow in the meridians. It is also known to improve the digestive system and stimulates a persons metabolism.
Topaz may be worn, placed on the head or alternatively used in contemplative meditation. Consuming the stone as a precious gem essence or elixirs is also effective to emotionally help us discover our own inner riches, encouraging openness, honesty and a fulfilled life.
Citrine is also know as a sunshine stone with its transparent yellow to brownish orange colour. It is in fact a variety of quartz, which has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. The yellow colour is caused by traces of iron in the quartz. This occurs very rarely in nature, so most citrine is made by heat-treating other varieties of quartz – usually purple amethyst or smoky quartz, which are both more common and less expensive. Readily available in a broad range of sizes, citrine is one of the most affordable and desired yellow gemstones. At 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness with good toughness, this November birthstone is durable enough for daily wear and tear.
For centuries, the supple stone of citrine has been referred to as a merchant’s stone due to the belief that it brings prosperity with a steady increase of wealth. The word “Citrine” comes from the Latin word for “lemon,” and has been thought to be a healing crystal that brings health, energy, and prosperity, as well as the ability to ground and remove negativity. This beautiful birthstone is known as the stone of happiness, joy, abundance and personal will.
Citrine is associated with the solar plexus and sacral chakras. Physically citrine has many attributes, including healing properties. Especially when it comes to skin related issues such as irritations and allergies. It also assists with alleviating kidney problems, digestion troubles, menstrual symptoms and nausea. It stimulates digestion, the spleen and the pancreas and is said to help with eye problems, increase blood circulation and reverse degenerative diseases.
Importantly, its radiant warmth is said to help those that suffer with seasonal affective disorder. Apart from physical healing, citrine can also be harnessed for their emotional healing energies as well. Releasing anger, nerves and negative impulses are some of its notable effects along with fighting anxiety and depression.