November has two modern birthstones, Yellow Topaz and Citrine. Both stones come in a variety of warm colors… yellow, orange, red, brown. The name Topaz even comes from the Sanskrit word for fire. Perhaps these warm hues are inspired by the fiery colors foliage turns before they fall for the winter months, or maybe these stones are an inspiration of the last bits of warmth before the chills of December…
Yellow Topaz is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage. Historically the stone was believed to be a source of strength and healing. In the Middle Ages topaz was through to cure both mental and physical ailments… and back further in Roman and Greek times it was thought to increase strength, improve eyesight and even make the wearer invisible.
Citrine is also the the Planetary stone for Virgo and the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversaries. It is a variety of quartz ranging in colors of yellow, yellow-brown, orange, dark orange-brown, reddish-brown. Citrine can be found in vugs, small to large sized cavities inside rocks. An example of a big citrine vug is shown below.
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Previous Birthstone Color Articles
Birthstone Colors: October
Birthstone Colors: August
Colors Changing for June Birthdays