50+ Lifestyles

The Birthstone of November

By Eloise Graham

Topaz – the beautiful birthstone.

I always thought of topaz as the yellowish/brownish clear gem, amber and rust tones come to mind. I considered the topaz a beautiful fall colored stone. Then about 15 years ago I saw a huge, multifaceted cut stone of a deep aquamarine shade. Someone said it was topaz. I was sure the gemologist or jeweler was colorblind. So I researched it. I learned something.

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent. It is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Its coloring comes from impurities in the chemical structure. This allows it to have a wide range of coloring including a wine tone, pink, pale yellow, deep yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, blue, aqua or brown. Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is what we usually consider the birthstone of November. Topaz is also a symbol of friendship.

Citrine – an alternate birthstone

Citrine is also a silicate mineral, but not as complex as the topaz. Natural citrine, which is rare, is a yellow to yellow-orange gemstone. Most of the citrine we see is a heated form of quartz; very similar in the chemical make- up. This produces a dark orange- brown to reddish-rust tone. Natural light-yellow citrine is often called Lemon Quartz on the gemstone market.

Baltic Amber – another birthstone primarily in the Scandinavian countries

Amber is another gemstone that possesses the orange and rust colors. Amber is the fossilized resin of ancient trees. This fossil form has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since the Neolithic Era. A much-valued item from antiquity to the present as a gemstone, amber is made into a variety of decorative objects, very often in jewelry. Folklore tells of the healing powers of amber; the power of health and healing, balancing emotions and clearing the mind.