50+ Lifestyles

Confusion Behind the Birthstone for November

By Eloise Graham

I always thought that Topaz was the rightful birthstone for the month of November, but I read that Citrine is an alternative. So what is the answer? Topaz has been known since ancient times, but has often suffered from considerable misidentification and has been confused with citrine. Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and florine with a chemical formula of Al2SiO4(F1OH)2. Citrine is also a silicate mineral, but not as complex. It’s chemical formula is SiO2 with trace quantities of Fe3+ (iron) which cause the yellow color.

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent. It’s coloring comes from impurities allowing it to have a wide range of color, anywhere from wine, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, blue or brown. Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is what we normally consider the birthstone of November. It is also a symbol of friendship and the state gemstone of the state of Utah.

Natural citrine, which is rare, is a yellow to yellow-orange gemstone. Most of the citrine we see is a heated form of quartz, similar in chemical make-up (SiO4), to make a dark orange-brown to reddish-brown stone. Natural light-yellow citrine is often called “Lemon Quartz” on the gemstone market.

No wonder we have confusion about the gemstone. Topaz can be bright blue, almost aqua and look like Aquamarine, the birthstone for March. Or, it can be bright pink and look like Pink Tourmaline, one of the birthstones for October. True citrine is called “Lemon Quartz” and heated quartz is called citrine. But whatever we call them, there are some beautiful gemstones for the month of November.

Some Important November Events in the QCA
Election day – Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Get out and vote. Remember – not voting is not a sign of omission, it is a sign of submission.
Veteran’s Day Parade – Tuesday, November 11 – City of Aledo, Illinois, 120 North College Avenue, at 11:00 a.m.
Quad City Arts Festival of Trees – Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 29 – River Center in Davenport, Iowa
(563) 324-FEST (3378)

Quad City Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops – Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 – Adler Theater in Davenport, Iowa
Walnut Grove walk “Christmas at Pioneer Village – Sunday, November 30 – Walnut Grove Village, Scott County ParK Long Grove, Iowa

Lighting of John Deere Commons – Saturday, November 22 – Moline, Illinois (309) 764-2001