Fall is here! While we celebrate the turning leaves let’s take a look at the November birthstone of topaz and citrine. You may be noticing these special gems more and more this month. November baby’s will be sporting since these gems pair perfectly with the colors of fall.
Topaz
Topaz Colors: White, Colorless, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Multicolored
The first November birthstone we will look at is Topaz. These can be found in very large, flawless crystals which are then faceted into smaller stones. Because of this some of the largest gemstone pieces ever cut are from Topaz. They can even weigh in the thousands range in carats.
Though Topaz comes in all colors, there are some that are most popular such as:
1) White Topaz which is completely colorless
2) Precious Topaz which ranges in color from burnt brown orange to to yellow
3) Imperial Topaz which is the most sought after type due to the bright orange color with pink undertones
4) Blue Topaz which is easily accessible if irradiated but rare if naturally occurring in blue
Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it great for everyday jewelry. It can be prone to chipping or cracking. It’s also well known for manifesting health, well-being and energy and is recommended to be worn close to the heart.
Interested in seeing something neat? Check out Rutile Topaz which has needle like inclusions of Limonite running through it giving the illusion that there are fibers frozen in time within the stone!
Take a look at this blue topaz oval set in a double edge halo.
Citrine
Colors: Yellow, yellow-brown, orange, dark orange-brown, reddish-brown
Our next November birthstone is Citrine. Citrine was named after the lemon like shades of color that it’s found in and can often be confused for the light yellow shade of Topaz. Natural Citrine is quite rare, so most of what’s on the market is heat treated amethyst which turns the stone from dull, violet blue to a rich and lustrous golden yellow. You can find Citrine in a variety of unique shapes because jeweler’s enjoy experimenting with different cuts, sometimes as large as 20 carats.
It’s a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale making it good for everyday wear but one should practice extra care and maintenance to keep the longevity of the stone. Citrine can be found moderately affordable regardless of size.
Citrine is very well known for imparting joy, wonder, delight and enthusiasm on its wearers!
Contact us today to start working on a custom gemstone project incorportating your favorite color center!