November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine

If you're born in November, you have two birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Both of these stones are beautiful and vibrant, and they make for stunning jewelry. Here's a look at some facts about these stones.

Topaz

A beautiful stone with a rich history, topaz is one of the birthstones for November. This stone comes in various colors but is most commonly associated with a deep yellow or golden color.

Picking out the perfect piece of topaz jewelry can be daunting, but understanding a little more about this gem can help make the task easier. Let's take a closer look at topaz and find out what makes it such a special birthstone. 

Color and Clarity of Topaz  

As previously mentioned, topaz comes in a wide range of colors. The most common color is yellow, but this gem can also appear colorless, as well as shades of blue, green, pink, red, and orange. When it comes to clarity, topaz rates an eight on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning it is durable enough for everyday wear.

However, because it is not as hard as diamonds or other precious stones, it is still important to take care when cleaning and storing topaz jewelry to ensure it doesn't become scratched or chipped. 

Finding Topaz

Topaz can be found in many places around the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and China. Topaz can be found in Utah, the United States. The state is home to the Topaz Mountain Gem Mine, which is open to the public and offers visitors the opportunity to search for topaz. Gemstone hunters often use sieves and pans to sort through the rocks and sand to find topaz crystals.

Once extracted from the ground, topaz can be cut and polished into various shapes and sizes. Most jewelry-grade topaz is faceted, meaning that it has been cut into a geometric shape with flat surfaces. It can also be cabochon cut, which results in a smooth, rounded surface. Topaz typically occurs as a solo stone or as part of a cluster when set into jewelry.

Topaz can also be found in some rings and pendants that feature multiple stones of different colors. Thanks to its wide range of colors and affordable price point, topaz is a popular choice for jewelry makers and consumers alike.

Related Link: The History of Birthstones

Care and Cleaning Topaz  

When cleaning your topaz jewelry, warm soapy water is all that's needed. Be sure to use gentle detergent and avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners that could damage the stone. As always, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners when cleaning any jewelry.

If you need to remove dirt or debris from areas that are difficult to reach with soapy water alone, you can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the affected areas. Once you've finished cleaning your jewelry, rinse it well with warm water to remove any residual soap before allowing it to air dry completely. 

Storing Topaz Jewelry  

To help prevent damage and keep your topaz jewelry looking its best, it's important to store it properly when you're not wearing it. Ideally, you should store each piece of jewelry in its own individual cloth pouch or lined box to protect it from scratches. It's also important to avoid storing multiple pieces of jewelry together since they could scratch each other during storage.

If you don't have individual storage containers for each piece of jewelry, wrap each piece in soft cloth before placing them together in a larger box or drawer. By taking proper care of your topaz jewelry, you can enjoy wearing it for many years to come! 

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Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz that ranges in color from pale yellow to golden brown. Its name comes from the French word "citron," meaning lemon. Citrine is the traditional birthstone for November, and it is also the zodiac stone for Scorpio. Citrine occurs naturally, but it can also be created through heat treatment of amethyst or smoky quartz.

Citrine is thought to promote joy, vitality, and creativity. It is also said to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Physically, citrine is said to support digestion, aid in detoxification, and boost the immune system.

Citrine Jewelry 

Citrine can be found in jewelry stores in a variety of colors, from pale yellow to deep golden brown. It is often used as an accent stone in jewelry designs, but it can also be found in stand-alone pieces such as pendants and rings. When shopping for citrine jewelry, be sure to ask about the stone's hardness; because citrine is a softer stone, it may require more care than harder stones such as diamonds or sapphires.

Related Link: Zodiac Sign Jewelry for Every Astrological Sign

Finding Citrine

Citrine is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States. Citrine is often used in jewelry, as its warm hues complement a variety of skin tones. In addition to being used in jewelry and crystal therapy, citrine is also quarried for its ornamental value.

The stone is popular for use in countertops, flooring, and other architectural applications. Whether it is being used as a fashion accessory or as a decorative element in a home, citrine adds beauty and elegance to any setting.

Cleaning Citrine 

Citrine should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaning, as these can damage the stone. As with all gemstones, it is best to remove citrine jewelry before swimming or engaging in other activities where the jewelry could be damaged.

Storing Citrine 

Citrine should be stored away from other gemstones to avoid scratches. It is best stored in a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth. Because citrine is sensitive to light, it should not be stored in direct sunlight.

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Wearing The November Birthstones

Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself or someone else, topaz and citrine jewelry make for a beautiful and special present. These November birthstones are both symbols of love, success, and good fortune.

So which one should you choose? It all comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the classic look of topaz or the vibrant hue of citrine? Whichever stone you choose, you can't go wrong.

Related Link: 8 Unique Women’s Beaded Bracelets for Stylish Women