The uplifting honey-orange November Birthstone Citrine
Citrine, a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to a honey orange color, takes its name from the french term citron because of its lemon inspired shades. It’s color resembles that of yellow topaz (the second birthstone for November) and it’s no wonder they have been so easily confused throughout history.
This November gemstone, the Citrine has been used in jewellery ever since ancient times, and to this day, it continues to be the most popular yellow gemstone in the world. Apart from being the birthstone for the month of November, it’s also the gem for the 13th wedding anniversary.
Throughout history, Citrines were esteemed for their striking beauty and brilliance so they were worn as jewellery for thousands of years. This birthstone for November also symbolized the warm, bright sun and the vitality of life. And even to this day, it still remains a symbol of energy, wealth, abundance, joy, and good luck.
Citrine pendant Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain, mid-1550s, by Alessandro Cesati
World’s Largest Faceted Citrine, "The Malaga", at 20,200 Carats (8.8 pounds), “Special Exhibition Gems" Art Natura Museum, Spain
Engraved Gem with Bonus Eventus, 1st century A.D. Unknown artist
Citrine Birthstone Origins & History
One of the most valuable sources of citrine is the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Natural, unheated citrine can also be found in the Anahí mine in Bolivia. Interestingly, this mysterious mine produces a combination of citrine and amethyst, which is otherwise known as ametrine. Other citrine deposits include the mines in the Ural Mountains of Russia, as well as Uruguay, Spain, Mexico, and Madagascar.
In the Hellenistic Age (350 BC – 150 BC), the Ancient Greeks used the stone as a decoration. Interestingly enough, this gem was said to be one of the twelve stones on the breastplate of Aaron and the Old Testament refer to the Citrine birthstone as the ‘chrysolitus’— aka “gold stone.”
Although diamonds and sapphires were more popular in the 19th century, this birthstone for November made a comeback and was widely used in jewellery due to Queen Victoria’s love for colorful gemstones. This resulted in it becoming the notarized stone of the rich and famous.
The Citrine reached its peak of international fame during the Art Deco era. Not only was it the eye-catcher in dramatic jewellery, it was an embellishment in clothing, interior design, and furniture.
Rough Citrine crystal, the November Birthstone
Different shades of yellow to orange, in rough Citrine crystals
Physical Properties of Citrine
Citrine’s yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. This occurs rarely in nature, so most citrine gems on the market are made by heat treating other varieties of quartz—usually the more common, less expensive purple amethyst and smoky quartz to produce golden gemstones.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine is very durable against scratches and everyday wear-and-tear—making it a lovely option for large, wearable jewellery. But keep in mind that it is less durable than topaz, sapphires or diamonds, so keep them seperate when storing them.
How valuable is Citrine?
With its ready availability in a broad range of sizes, citrine birthstone is one of the most affordable and at the same time desired yellow gemstones. Beautiful, precious, and inexpensive; what more could you ask for in a November Birthstone?
The most important factor in determining the value of citrine is its color, strong yellows all the way to oranges with consistent color saturation lead to the highest prices. Of course with color come clarity, cut and carat size and they all contribute to the value of a citrine gemstone.
The highest value color of citrine is the deep red-orange tones often referred to as Madeira or Fire Citrine. And of course, because it occurs rarely in nature, the natural yellow citrine is more sought after than the heat treated one.
World’s Largest Faceted Citrine, "The Malaga", at 20,200 Carats (8.8 pounds), “Special Exhibition Gems" Art Natura Museum, Spain
Citrine with it's yellow-orange hues symbolises the power of solar energy
November Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Citrine reflects a range of powerful colors from light gold yellow to bright red or dark orange. This important member of the quartz family is associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the center of power in our bodies. Its yellow rays stimulate activity in all physical body systems. The energy of citrine represents the energy of the sun which warms, comforts, penetrates, energizes and gives life.
The consciousness associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra is that of material and physical powers. And, as we learn that abundance is our divine inheritance, the energy of citrine will assist us in attracting the riches of life to us. It’s no wonder that other cultures have referred to citrine as the “merchant’s stone” or the “money stone” because they believed it could bring prosperity to individuals.
Citrine can also be used to attract the creative force of light within the body, so that the creative power is directed and used consciously. That is why the November birthstone Citrine, is said to awaken creativity and imagination, so artists should hold this stone close.
Citrine can also be good for the assimilation and the mental digestion of thoughts. Its energy helps to clearly understand the events of life and to order them properly. This subtle ability allows us to flow with life instead of desperately clinging to it.
In cases where there are susceptible and extremely vulnerable people to outside energies and influences, it’s a good idea that they wear citrine crystals. The vibrant yellow-orange color increases the flow of light that surrounds the body and strenghtens the protective aura. Thus, they will be less susceptible to negative energies and their influences.
So, we can say that Citrine is useful in situations where self-confidence and security are needed and it’s no wonder that in ancient Rome, people believed that citrine could protect one against evil thoughts. More even, it is known that Egyptians used citrine gemstones as talismans, the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings.
As a single tip generator crystal, citrine can be mounted in gold or silver and worn tip down as jewellery. In this way, they become powerful channels that direct the energies of the golden crown chakra into our bodies, manifesting our will in the physical aspects of our lives, like achieving goals in business, education or personal relationships.
Buying & Gifting November Birthstone Jewellery
The November Birthstone Citrine is known as the stone of happiness, joy, abundance, and personal will. Many say that simply wearing this stone will lift your spirits and help you successfully achieve your goals. That makes this stone worthy of any jewellery collection, whether or not you can claim it as your birthstone or simply love it’s vibrant colour.
November Birthstone Jewellery Set – Citrine Studs & Charm Necklace
November Birthstone Necklace – Citrine Gemstone Charm in Sterling Silver
November Birthstone Ring – Citrine Gemstone in Sterling Silver
Istanbul Soul Citrine and Black Spinel Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver
Istanbul Soul Citrine and Black Spinel Ring in Sterling Silver
