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Like most months, November has a traditional birthstone and a modern birthstone. The traditional birthstone gem is yellow topaz. The modern birthstone is the yellow toned citrine, which is part of the quartz family.
Traditionally the November’s birthstone is a yellow stone. Whether that be yellow topaz or the yellow quartz called Citrine. Long ago the word topaz was used to describe any yellow stone. It wasn’t until a few hundred years ago that we were able to identify these yellow stones as different minerals. Today all topaz colours are included as the November birthstone.
Topaz is a popular gemstone made of a fluoro-silicate of aluminium. It comes in many different colours, but it is known for its rich shades of blue seen in many forms of jewellery.
Blue topaz comes in three enhanced shades of blue meaning they have undergone heat treatment or are irradiated. These treatments are permanent. Pale blue natural topaz can be found, but it is very subtle compared to these treated colours.
Sky Blue Topaz is the name given to the light blue colour of topaz.
Swiss Blue Topaz is a mid blue colour of topaz
Finally, London Blue Topaz has been irradiated and heat treated to bring out its inky blue tones.
Topaz was first discovered in Australia in the late 1800s in New South Wales as a result of a biproduct while mining for metals such as tin or gold. Topaz is found down the eastern coast of Australia in alluvial deposits. Mount Surprise is one of the main deposits in Queensland, with other topaz bearing areas occurring through New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Flinders Island has a topaz which has been nicknamed ‘Killiecrankie Diamonds’ as when first found in Killiecrankie Bay they were confused for diamonds.
The colour is the main factor the influences the cost of a topaz. Colourless topaz is very common and therefore the most affordably priced. Blue topazes can vary in price depending on any treatments, the intensity of the colour, and demand in the market. London Blue Topaz have become popular gemstones over the last few years, with the more intense colours attracting a premium over other blue topazes. It is still much more affordably priced than a sapphire of a similar tone and size. Other colours of topaz found naturally are pink topaz, yellow topaz, and the orange of imperial topaz, of which all can attract higher prices for rarity.
The rarest form of Topaz is called Imperial Topaz, believed to have been named when Brazilian Emperor Pedro II was gifted a reddish orange topaz when visiting the town nearby Brazil’s most productive topaz mine in the late 19th century.
One of the most famous topazes, and one that holds the title for the largest faceted gemstone in the world is the Eldorado Topaz, weighing in at 31,000 carats. It was discovered in the same area as the famous Malaga Citrine in Brazil. Before it was cut it weighed over 6 kilograms.
Topaz has often been confused for citrine and vise versa up until more recent times, so the symbolic meanings sometimes become intertwined. The ancient romans believed that it protected travellers; the ancient Greeks believed it could make the wearer invisible during emergencies. In the Middle Ages topaz was believed to enhance mental prowess, and cure lunacy. Many other ailments were said to be cured or reduced when topaz was worn, including protection from snake venom or to prevent death.
Blue topaz is the traditional gift for the 4th wedding anniversary, with orange topaz being the preferred gift for the 23rd anniversary.
Citrine is a pale yellow form of quartz – a mineral made from silicon dioxide. It has been used in jewellery since ancient times and gets its name from the French word ‘citron’, meaning lemon. The largest faceted citrine weighs in at 20,200 carats (over 4 kilograms!) and was discovered in the 1980s in Minas Gerais, Brazil, but not cut until 2009. It was named the Malaga Citrine after the city is was to be displayed in.
Natural citrine is quite rare and is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Norway, Russia and Bolivia, with Bolivia having a rare mix of natural amethyst and citrine called ametrine. Most citrine in the market today is actually heat treated amethyst from Brazil. It often has a stronger orange undertone than natural citrine.
Since ancient times Citrine has been named the ‘merchant’s stone’ as it was believed those wearing it would attract prosperity and wealth. It was also believed to carry the power of the sun by ancient civilisations. In 17th century Scotland it adorned swords for success in battle.
Citrine is also the traditional gift for the 13th wedding anniversary.
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the mohs scale, but its crystal structure means that can be susceptible to cleaving if struck hard enough from the wrong angle. It also can be damaged internally by high heat or rapid changes in temperature. It is safe to clean your topaz at home with a soft brush and warm soapy water, but be sure to rinse afterwards to avoid soap scum buildup. Topaz will dull quickly if liquids such as hand creams or hand sanitiser make their way onto the underside of the stone so take off your ring while applying these. Like all jewellery, ensure you take your topaz ring off while doing housework, going to the gym, swimming etc. This will ensure your topaz looks fantastic for many years to come.
Citrine is a softer stone than topaz, so can be prone to scratching and chipping on exposed surfaces if not cared for properly. We recommend taking your citrine piece off when you may be prone to knocking or catching your jewellery on things. Keep it clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water.
At Diamondport Jewellers we specialise in creating bespoke, custom pieces of jewellery for you to cherish for a lifetime. Contact us today for an appointment to discuss your own birthstone ring, earrings, or necklace.
Book your private consultation today, and let our skilled jewellers create a piece of jewellery as unique as you.
