November: Citrine

November Birthstone: Citrine

Birthstone Color: Orange

Citrine Myths & Historical Facts

November's birthstone, citrine, is as warm, vibrant gold color.  The name citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon.  Citrine is one of the more rare forms of quartz; it ranges in color from the palest yellow to dark amber named Madeirabecause of its resemblance to the red wine.

Citrine became popular during the romantic period, when artisans often favored these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry.  Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.  It was also considered to have medicinal properties and was commonly used as a remedy for urinary and kidney ailments. 

Citrine is a sister stone to the purple quartz known as amethyst. Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.  It is believed that some citrine may have actually begun as amethyst, but heat from nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz.

A gift of citrine is symbolic for hope and strength.  With its sunny brightness, this gemstone is ideal for helping anyone to get through the tough times in life!

The alternate birthstone for November is the topaz is an alternate gemstone for those born in November.  Its golden color was believed by the Egyptians to be the glow cast by the sun god Ra.  A gift of this gemstone is said to symbolize friendship and to strengthen one's capacity to give and receive love.

 Citrine Facts:

Topaz can be found in both cool (blue, green) and warm (amber, orange, brown) shades.

Citrines range from the soft hues of golden champagne to the deep color of Madeira wine.

Citrines come in the colors of citrus fruits and are available in color ranges from deep reddish oranges reminiscent of Madeira wines, to pale and saturated yellow hues. In fact, the name is derived from the French word “citron,” which means “lemon,” Citrine’s optimistic colors bring to mind the warmth of mid-day sunshine.

Citrine belongs to the quartz species and is related to rock crystal, amethyst, praseolite, and chalcedony.

Citrine is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 7.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Topaz is often confused with citrine or smoky quartz; however, the colors we appreciate topaz for have a wide range from vibrant pink or molten golden oranges and yellows. The name for this gem dates to biblical times, and its meaning has evolved over time. Its name likely derived from the island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where Romans found yellowish gems.

Topaz is a mineral species that occurs naturally in a broad color range, including various reds, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, and browns. More rarely, pale blue material is found.

Topaz is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.