Jewel Gallery
Lynn & Carl Buehler 800-330-0094
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November Birthstones-Topaz and Citrine
Stone of the Month—Golden Topaz
This month’s featured stone is golden topaz, the yellow to orange variety of topaz. Topaz is one of the traditional birthstones for the month of November and for the zodiac sign Sagittarius. It is also given in honor of the twenty-third wedding anniversary. Historically the name topaz comes from Topazios; the name of an Island now called Zabargad in the Red Sea. Topazios is from the Greek word for “to seek” as the island was often obscured by fog and difficult to find. Ironically, the stones found there were most probably Peridot, which was called topaz until the late sixteenth century. For many years, any yellow stone was called topaz. Yellow sapphire was called “oriental topaz”. Citrine quartz was (and often still is) called by the misnomers “topaz quartz” or just plain “topaz”. Brownish red citrine quartz is often mislabeled as “Madeira topaz”. Appropriately “precious topaz” refers to true topaz of golden color.
Symbolic of love and affection, early discoveries of precious topaz were placed in the jewelry of Russian Czarinas in the 18th and 19th centuries, thus earning the name “Imperial topaz” as well.
To ancient Egyptians, the color of yellow topaz symbolized Ra, the Egyptian sun god. The Greeks believed it conferred strength. It has been worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, break spells, dispel sadness, and strengthen intellect. It was also said to make the wearer invisible, and assure beauty, intelligence, fidelity, and long life. It was powdered and stirred into wine to cure asthma, insomnia, hemorrhage, and burns. It was also said to darken in the presence of poi-son. These magic powers were thought to vary according to the phases of the moon.
Many outstanding topazes are in public collections. Precious topaz is one of the many colors found in large specimens. The Smithsonian Institution has a 7,725-carat yellow stone for viewing. The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a 9,000-carat orange crystal from Brazil. Several large colorless and irradiated blue topazes are on public display as well.
Much of the finest quality material comes from Brazil. Topaz is also mined in Nigeria, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Mexico, Namibia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the US and the CIS (former USSR). We now offer this beautiful gem ranging in color from a light golden to a medium peach/orange. Shapes currently available are round, oval, marquise, pear, octagon (emerald cut), and square (princess cut).
November Birthstone-Citrine
Bestowing an aura of the sun’s golden radiance, Citrine is said to banish thoughts of evil from your mind. Worn as a talisman it protected one from the venomous bite of the serpent. At all times, the brilliant radiance of citrine’s energy will focus your mind, emotions and intuition into singular harmony. Like Amethyst, Citrine is a variety of the mineral, quartz. Citrine is frequently heated to permanently coax out its fiery golden yellow color. In general it is a lighter and brighter yellow than Golden Topaz with which it shares the honor of being the November birthstone. Prized for its beauty, affordability and durability, Citrine is an excellent choice for everyday wear. While today we are not limited by tradition, the symbolism of Citrine is treasured as a birthstone for November, for celebrating the thirteenth anniversary and as a talisman for the sign of Gemini. Its color is associated with lightheartedness and cheerfulness. We now offer this beautiful gem ranging in color from a bright yellow to a light golden. Shapes currently available are round, oval, marquise, pear, octagon (emerald cut), and square (princess cut).
