November's Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine

Capture the Warmth! of November's Birthstone Citrine with this Hand-Carved Citrine and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Photo ©2014 EraGem Jewelry. by Angela Magnotti Andrews November's birthstones are a warm welcome as the days grow shorter and the nights take on the chill air of autumn. Although yellow topaz is the gemstone most commonly cited as November's birthstone, the Gemological Institute of America notes that Citrine is a recognized alternate.  Both come in the warm hues of sunshine and summer citrus; however, they have very distinctive chemical properties.

Chemical Properties

Yellow topaz is what is known in mineralogy as a fluorosilicate, meaning that they are comprised of aluminum, fluoride, silicon, and oxygen. Topaz derives its color from intrusion of trace elements in their crystal structure. It can be found in colors ranging from red to pink and purple, from yellow to orange and brown, and from blue to green. Blue topaz is the birthstone for December. Citrine, on the other hand, is a member of the vast quartz family. Closely related to amethyst, natural citrine has been thought to be amethyst that has been exposed to the intense heat of molten lava. As quartz rises in temperature, the iron within its crystal structure oxidizes (kind of like evaporating), resulting in variations of color. The less iron, the warmer the hues become. Citrine can range in color from pale yellow to golden or from golden orange to rich gold-brown {gemselect}.

Presence in Tin and Bronze Mines

It is quite possible that both of November's birthstones were found simultaneously in the tin and bronze mines which were actively sourced as early as 3300 BC in Palestine. Other bronze and tin mines became active in Egypt (2700 BC), in Central Europe (2200 BC), and in Northern Europe (1800 BC) {Zontrum}. According to the Wiener Edelstein Zontrum gemstone dictionary, it would have been nearly impossible for these early miners to miss the bright sunshine-colored stones in their mines. Because citrine and topaz have long been confused for one another, it would be impossible to determine which stone was found first and in which locations.

Popular Cuts

November's birthstones can be cut in nearly ever shape imaginable. Citrines are most commonly cut as round brilliants or ovals, though they are often cut in fancy cuts or step cuts. Topaz, with its naturally elongated crystal structure, is often pear cut, emerald cut, or oval cut. Both topaz and citrine can be carved, which you see in this gorgeous hand-carved citrine and diamond cocktail ring. This ring is fashioned from 18k yellow gold, which provides the perfect complement to the golden warmth of the citrines.

Notes

1. About Birthstones. "November Birthstone." Accessed November 3, 2014. http://www.about-birthstones.com/novemberbirthstone.html.

2. "All About Birthstones: Topaz for November." GIA 4Cs Blog, November 1, 2012. http://4csblog.gia.edu/2012/all-about-birthstones-november-topaz.

3. Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry. "Topaz Facts, Information and Description." Accessed November 3, 2014. http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/topaz.htm.

4. "Citrine: November's Sunny Birthstone," GIA 4Cs Blog, November 1, 2013. http://4csblog.gia.edu/2013/citrine-novembers-sunny-birthstone.

5. Gem Select. "Citrine Gemstone Information." Accessed November 3, 2014. http://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/citrine/citrine-info.php.

6.  Gemstone Education. "The History and Origin of Topaz." Accessed November 3, 2014. http://www.gemstoneeducation.com/Topaz.htm

7.  Wiener Edelstein Zentrum. "Topaz," Gemstone Dictionary. Accessed November 3, 2014. http://www.edelsteine.at/dictionary/topas/.