November: Citrine
CITRUS STONE
Citrine is November’s alternative birthstone. Citrines, like topaz, were found on an island in the Mediterranean called Topazios in ancient times. Since the two gems were alike in color, they were often mixed up. The most common citrine colors are brown, yellow, yellow-gold, and orange, all very similar to the shades Topaz.
According to legends, citrine has the power to guard its wearer from evil thoughts. The name comes from the Latin citrus. The most expensive citrines are the rich, deep orange ones called ‘madeira’.
Citrine is a variety of quartz, the most abundant mineral in the earth. It’s color is caused by trace amounts of iron in silicon. Most citrine comes from Brazil. Other sources come from Bolivia, India, Madagascar, Russia and Sri Lanka.
