November – Topaz or Citrine

Topaz - The word Topaz comes from a sanskrit word meaning “fire”, and in ancient lore, the Topaz could be used to control heat. It was said to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger. When worn as an amulet, Topaz was said to drive away sadness, strengthen the intellect, and bestow courage.

Yellow is the color most often associated with Topaz, although colors can range from colorless, to pink, to sherry, to dark orange-red, and all varieties of blue.

Citrine – a variety of Quartz - was so often mistaken as Topaz, it was finally considered an alternate birthstone for November. Citrine was adapted from the French word citron, meaning lemon. The colors can range from very pale yellow to red-orange, to orange-brown. The warm color of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun, and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone. - it is said to support vitality and health, while guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer.

Imperial Topaz (top)                             Madeira Citrine (bottom)