- The month of November that includes the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius has an assortment of 11 stones listed as birthstones.
- The birthstones marked for November are topaz, citrine, pearl and chrysophase.
- The zodiac signs add on seven more birthstones: beryl, aquamarine, garnet, ruby, amethyst, sapphire, and turquoise.
The featured birthstone is the modern as well as the traditional stone for this month. The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon.
Citrine is one of the rarest varieties of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to brown. It is nearly impossible to tell cut citrine from yellow topaz visibly. Citrine has a value of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Chemically, it is a variety of quartz having the same formula, SiO2.
Citrine has ferric impurities, and is rarely found naturally. Most commercial citrine is in actual artificially heated amethyst or smoky quartz. Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Brazil is the leading producer of citrine. At certain amethyst deposits (another gemstone), it was naturally changed into brown citrine by the action of high temperature. Russia, France and Madagascar are the other countries known for the occurrence of natural citrine.
- Owing to its scarcity, there is little mention of Citrine being used as a gemstone prior to the first century B.C. The Romans are believed to be the pioneers for this gemstone, crafting it into cabochon, or highly polished but unfaceted cuts of stone set into jewelry.
- Citrine became more popular during the Romantic Period, when artisans employed these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry.
- Citrine, like other forms of quartz, was said to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.
- This stone carries both the sun and moon's energy. It is basically a moon's stone or female energy but has it's flash of male energy in the iridescent colors and carries the sun's energy.
- Citrine is given to commemorate the 13th and 17th wedding anniversary.
- Citrine is considered good for problems related to the kidney, digestive tract, liver, muscles and also the heart.
- It also helps to bring out a person's creativity, clarity of thoughts and takes away self destructive tendencies.
- Citrine is gifted as a popular symbol of hope and strength.
- Its sunny brightness also encourages its wearer to get out of tough times in life.
- Citrine is unable to hold negative vibes but instead dissipates and transmutes it.
- It is also known for improving memory and thus aids in quick problem solving.
- Citrine is known as the "success stone" or "merchant stone" because it promotes success, prosperity, and abundance.
Yellow Topaz is an alternate gemstone for those born in November. Topaz is a Sanskrit word meaning 'fire'. Its golden color was believed by the Egyptians to be the glow cast by the sun god Ra. It was known to bring relief from physical as well as mental disorders during the Middle Ages. The Greeks also believed that it had the power to turn its wearer invisible. Yellow Topaz ranges in color from a peachy blush to a deep cognac. This gemstone is gifted as a symbol of friendship and is known to strengthen one's capacity to give and receive love. It is also used to commemorate the 4th, 19th or 23rd marriage anniversary.
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