November’s Birthstones

[kristin]

Citrine – One of November’s Birthstones

Citrine is a transparent yellow to brownish yellow variety of quartz that is rare in nature. Before the modern days of gemology Citrine was often confused with Topaz, November’s other birthstone. Most of the Citrine on the market is a result of heat treatment, which causes some amethyst to change color from a pail violet to yellow. Top sources of natural citrine are Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, and Uruguay.

[kristin]

Topaz- November’s other Birthstone

For centuries, Topaz was associated with the color yellow. People assumed that all yellow gems were Topaz, and all Topaz was yellow. Now it is know that Topaz occurs in a broad range of colors that includes red, pink, purple, yellow, orange, brown, blue and green. Topaz can also be colorless. But yellow Topaz is the color used for the November birthstone.