November’s Gemstones

Do you have a November birthday?  If so you are already aware of your birthstone is Topaz, but wait!  There’s also Citrine!  Yes, you are now able to have a choice.  According to the American Gem Society besides being able to choose between two warm colored stones for this chilly month, you are also able “bring warmth and fortune just by wearing these stones!”  How fun, but let’s take a closer look at these two gorgeous stones.

Citrine

Citrine comes from the quartz family.  Colors range from light yellow to a brownish red.  There are two types of Citrine.  The heat treated Citrine, which as stated, uses heat to bring out the beautiful colors.  Often times Amethyst, another quartz, is heat treated make the Citrine.

When Amethyst is used, you see the yummy colors of yellows and brownish oranges.  Occasionally, Smoky Quartz is heat treated to create Citrine.  This will  bring out a smokier cast of brownish red.  Still with me?

Natural Citrine

It’s much more rare, and gives off  lighter yellow to orangy yellow colors.   Finally, if you have seen or heard of “Lemon Quartz,” you are probably looking at Citrine that has been heat treated.    Now don’t get distressed when hearing about heat treating.  Almost all stones use heat treating of some sort.

Furthermore, only way to know if a stone has been heat treated or not, is by asking the jeweler, or if you see the words “not heated treated” or “natural coloring” on the labeling. Citrine is a fairly priced stone meaning you can buy a lot of stone for a smaller amount of money.

Also, Citrine, registers a “7” on the Mohs scale, meaning it is a durable stone that can last a long time, especially if set as earrings or in a pendant.  Most Citrine comes from Brazil, but natural deposits can also be found in Russia, Madagascar, Spain, the Congo, and in France.

Topaz

Topaz is the other November stone.  Typically it is colorless when found but with the magic of heat treating, a variety of colors arise.  Most people associate Topaz with the color blue.  However, you can buy Topaz in green, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple colors as well!

The most famous of all Topaz is Imperial Topaz.  It is desired for the brilliance and unusual color of orangy brown.  Imperial Topaz is more rare and therefore the price will go up incrementally. Topaz is a hardy stone.  It registers an “8” on the Mohs scale.

Because it is plentiful, you can buy a lot of stone without breaking the bank.  The exception being the Imperial Topaz previously mentioned.   One of the places to see a beautiful blue Topaz stone is here at Elementas Jewelry.  Visit the “pendants section” and look up “Sterling Silver Mermaid’s Treasure Pendant”.

This is a beautiful example of a lovely stone in a water-cast setting.  Topaz comes from many places in the world.  The biggest contributor is Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and even in the United States. So November people, you have choices,  Yay!   Enjoy the beauty these stones can bring while appreciating the affordable pricing.