Since the end of the month is slowly approaching, what better birthstone to explore than the one attached to November. While most months are connected to one main birthstone, this particular month offers those born during this timeframe to enjoy their choice between two: the topaz and citrine.
First, let’s take a look at topaz, which provides the world with a wide-range of brilliant colors from the rainbow. Held in high regard throughout the years of history, there was once a time when all of the yellow gems in the ancient world were referred to as being topaz.
When determining the type of gemstone that topaz was, sometimes people had a bit of a time identifying which was which. For instance, topaz was often mistaken for the citrine quartz, which is yellow in color, as well as the smoky quartz, which presents a lovely shade of brown. Funny enough, these two minerals are totally unrelated despite similarities in their characteristics.
When it comes to the most revered of topaz, you will find that a sample of an Imperial topaz has a history that can be traced back to the Russian Czars from the time period of the 1800s. The color of this stone is regarded for its appearance, which offers a body color of orange with undertones that show pink. Topaz offers an array of attractive colors, including purple, orange, yellow, and pink. The most popular color that topaz is known for is blue.
When looking for topaz in nature, it is often located with fluorite and cassiterite. Throughout the Ural and Ilmen mountains, high deposits of the stone may be uncovered. Topaz also occurs in Sweden, Japan, Brazil, Norway, Germany, Mexico, as well as the United States. When it comes to the largest piece of topaz crystal ever discovered in the world, you’d have to look into a specimen that has earned the nickname of “El Dorado.” In 1984, this find was uncovered in Brazil with a weight of a little over 6 kg. Today, the British Royal Collection claims possession of this gem.
As for citrine, this is the birthstone of November that has a reputation for being a healing type of quartz. During ancient times, citrine was worn as a way of protection against evil thoughts. It was also used to ward off the effects of snake venom. Golden in color, the characteristics of vitality and health are associated. Some turn to this stone when they are in need of encouragement, as well as hope. The energy and warmth connected to the birthstone is thought to affect the life in a positive way to whoever wears it.
Citrine is offered in a wide-range of colors and shades, ranging from a pastel-like yellow to a dark brown shade of orange. Within nature, the stone is rather easy to get you hands on; it is also one of the least expensive, making it an affordable commodity. When looking for heavy deposits of this stone, countries, such as Bolivia, Brazil, and Spain provide a wealth of citrine.