November has two golden birthstones that are perfect for fall: Citrine and Topaz. Here’s some fun facts to share with your November birthday friends.
- Topaz comes in a variety of colors, including golden “Imperial” topaz, Swiss blue, pink, and white.
- Because of their golden color, both citrine and yellow topaz are associated with attracting wealth and success in business.
- Citrines sometimes grow with amethysts, and combination purple/yellow gems called Ametrine can be found!
- The name Topaz is either from the Sanskrit word for fire, tapas, or the Greek topazos.
- Citrines were thought to be a gift from the sun, and were believed to have the power to calm those who wore it.
- Topaz has a hardness of 8, but is prone to cracking. Do not steam clean them or put them in an ultrasonic. Gentle soap and warm water with a soft brush should be enough.
- ‘’Citrine” comes from the French for “lemon,” citron.
- Imperial topaz was a favorite of the Russian Imperial family. They reserved the best ones, mined in the Ural Mountains, for their exclusive, personal use.
- Today the best source for citrine is the Anahi Mine in Bolivia. It was discovered in the 1600s and lost for 300 years before being rediscovered in the 1960s.
- “Mystic Topaz” are synthetically colored white topaz gems that have been covered with a thin film of minerals.
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