November 11, 2020
November Birthstone(s) and a Few Famous Birthdays
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 November Birthday Trivia
1871, November 1 – Stephen Crane, an American poet and novelist, wrote the gripping combat story “The Red Badge of Courage”
1718, November 3 – John Montague, Earl of Sandwich, invented the “sandwich” as an early form of fast food during an all-night card game.
1879, November 4 – Will Rogers, the rustic American actor / comic / philosopher, “never met a man he didn’t like.”
1943, November 5 – Barry Sandler, singer and soldier of fortune, wrote and recorded “Ballad of the Green Beret”. He was also wounded training “Contras” in Central America.
1835, November 6 – James A. Garfield, our 20th President, was assassinated in 1881.
1765, November 14 – Robert Fulton invented the first successful steamship
1915, November 25 – Joe DiMaggio, ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was a baseball immortal.
If you have a November birthday, may it be a blessed one.
