What is Topaz?
Topaz is a precious gemstone and more commonly known as the November birthstone. Made up of minerals fluorine and aluminium, it can appear in various colours and also be colourless too. Property wise Topaz is considered a reasonably durable gemstone with a rating of 8 on the MoHs scale, coming in close to other hard gemstones like Sapphire and Ruby.
With various colours of topaz ranging from orange, pink, brown, and sometimes red, Topaz is most famously known for its vibrant and striking blue colouring. Although once considered rare, blue Topaz is now the most common colour thanks to a specially developed enhancement process that turns dull and colourless Topaz permanently blue.
It’s said that the first Topaz was discovered in the 18th century in Germany, back then there was a lot of confusion about what these newly found gemstones were due to their more orange colouring, often resembling the Peridot gemstone. Topaz can now be found all in various locations across the globe, including Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, China, Zimbabwe, and many other countries.
What does Topaz symbolise?
There have been many stories behind what Topaz is said to symbolise, however the most popular association is with wealth and good fortune. Their distinct yellow colouring was often said to have mystical powers that were able to attract gold and prosperity. Topaz is also linked to religion and mentioned in the Bible, featuring as 1 or 12 gemstones on the famous breastplate of Aaron – although this again is argued that this stone could also be Peridot, which appears to be a common misconception.
During the Renaissance, Topaz was often said to be able to break magic spells and curses and drive away anger and negativity. Another association with Topaz was that it promises a long-lasting life, intelligence and supreme beauty too, especially when worn above the heart, making Topaz jewellery a popular gift throughout the centuries.
Why is there two birthstones for November?
One of the biggest questions that comes up when talking about November birthstones is why there are two birthstones associated with this month. The simple answer is that Citrine was a secondary birthstone introduced in 1912 when the Jewelers of America wanted to change and standardise birthstones. Modern day birthstones are centred around what is available and easiest to sell in high volumes – which is why Citrine was added as a more affordable and easier to obtain option, with quartz being the most plentiful mineral on earth. As mentioned, Citrine is a variety of quartz and comes in a rich, golden orangey yellow colour, and is slightly less hardwearing than Topaz, ranking a 7 on the MoHs scale.
Citrine was particularly popular in the Art Deco era but has recently become more popular amongst modern day celebrities too, seen on the likes of Kate Winslet, Emma Watson and Beyonce and also featured amongst the royals with Queen Victoria adding Citrine into her collection of royal jewellery too.
Wondering what gemstone to buy someone who has a November birthday? The answer is either! Although Topaz is the original birthstone, it’s all down to preference, and which colour you or they’d prefer. We’ve got a gorgeous offering of both Topaz jewellery and Citrine jewellery too here at Diamonds Factory so you can take your pick.
Topaz Birthstone Facts
In its natural state, topaz is colourless. Which leads to why Topaz can often be mistaken for Diamonds.
In its natural state, topaz is colourless. Which leads to why Topaz can often be mistaken for Diamonds.
The name Topaz comes from the word Topazios, which is an ancient Greek name for a tiny island located in the Red Sea. This small island is now more commonly known as Zabargad.
Topaz can be found in a large variety and range of different colours and is often referred to as the rainbow gem.
A unique type of pink-coloured Topaz was discovered in the 19th century Russia and was named the ‘Imperial Topaz’ to honour the Russian Czar. The Imperial Topaz was once restricted and exclusive to the Russian royal family only.
Blue Topaz is the official 4th wedding anniversary gemstone, making it a great gift to celebrate 4 years together.
Citrine Birthstone Facts
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Citrine gets its name from the old French word ‘Citron’ which means lemon. Which explains its enchanting yellow colouring.
Citrine was first found in the 1600s by a Spanish explorer. It is said he came across a mine that was filled with large amounts of Citrine and Amethyst too.
The largest Citrine gems are 20,200 carats and weigh almost 9 pounds and called the ‘Malaga’ Citrine. This impressive stone was discovered in the 1980s and in 2009 a team of expert Brazilian cutters used their technical expertise to cut the stone to produce an extraordinary gemstone.
Citrine is said to be a traditional 13th wedding anniversary gift. It’s meant to symbolise good luck and believed to block negative energy.
Citrine is the most popular of all the quartzes, closely followed by the popular pink gemstone Amethyst.
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What is Topaz?
Topaz is a precious gemstone and more commonly known as the November birthstone. Made up of minerals fluorine and aluminium, it can appear in various colours and also be colourless too. Property wise Topaz is considered a reasonably durable gemstone with a rating of 8 on the MoHs scale, coming in close to other hard gemstones like Sapphire and Ruby.
4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Pendent
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4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Pendent
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4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Stud Earring
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4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Stud Earring
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4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Tennis Bracelet
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4 Prong Setting Oval Blue Topaz Three Stone Ring
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4 Prong Setting Pear Blue Topaz Tennis Bracelet
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4 Prong Setting Round Blue Topaz Pendent
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4 Prong Setting Round Blue Topaz Stud Earring
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Bezel Set Round Blue Topaz Pendant
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Bezel Setting Blue Topaz Stud Earrings
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Bezel Setting Topaz Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Topaz Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Topaz Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Topaz Halo Engagement Ring
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Channel Setting Blue Topaz Solitaire Ring
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4 Prong Setting Pear Citrine Tennis Bracelet
From £4,493
Bezel Setting Citrine Halo Engagement Ring
From £626
Bezel Setting Citrine Halo Engagement Ring
From £984
Bezel Setting Citrine Halo Engagement Ring
From £905
Bezel Setting Citrine Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Citrine Stud Earrings
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Claw Prong Setting Round Citrine Halo Earring
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Prong Setting Citrine Drop Earrings
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With various colours of topaz ranging from orange, pink, brown, and sometimes red, Topaz is most famously known for its vibrant and striking blue colouring. Although once considered rare, blue Topaz is now the most common colour thanks to a specially developed enhancement process that turns dull and colourless Topaz permanently blue.
It’s said that the first Topaz was discovered in the 18th century in Germany, back then there was a lot of confusion about what these newly found gemstones were due to their more orange colouring, often resembling the Peridot gemstone. Topaz can now be found all in various locations across the globe, including Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, China, Zimbabwe, and many other countries.
What does Topaz symbolise?
There have been many stories behind what Topaz is said to symbolise, however the most popular association is with wealth and good fortune. Their distinct yellow colouring was often said to have mystical powers that were able to attract gold and prosperity. Topaz is also linked to religion and mentioned in the Bible, featuring as 1 or 12 gemstones on the famous breastplate of Aaron – although this again is argued that this stone could also be Peridot, which appears to be a common misconception.
During the Renaissance, Topaz was often said to be able to break magic spells and curses and drive away anger and negativity. Another association with Topaz was that it promises a long-lasting life, intelligence and supreme beauty too, especially when worn above the heart, making Topaz jewellery a popular gift throughout the centuries.
Why is there two birthstones for November?
One of the biggest questions that comes up when talking about November birthstones is why there are two birthstones associated with this month. The simple answer is that Citrine was a secondary birthstone introduced in 1912 when the Jewelers of America wanted to change and standardise birthstones. Modern day birthstones are centred around what is available and easiest to sell in high volumes – which is why Citrine was added as a more affordable and easier to obtain option, with quartz being the most plentiful mineral on earth. As mentioned, Citrine is a variety of quartz and comes in a rich, golden orangey yellow colour, and is slightly less hardwearing than Topaz, ranking a 7 on the MoHs scale.
Citrine was particularly popular in the Art Deco era but has recently become more popular amongst modern day celebrities too, seen on the likes of Kate Winslet, Emma Watson and Beyonce and also featured amongst the royals with Queen Victoria adding Citrine into her collection of royal jewellery too.
Wondering what gemstone to buy someone who has a November birthday? The answer is either! Although Topaz is the original birthstone, it’s all down to preference, and which colour you or they’d prefer. We’ve got a gorgeous offering of both Topaz jewellery and Citrine jewellery too here at Diamonds Factory so you can take your pick.
Topaz Birthstone Facts
In its natural state, topaz is colourless. Which leads to why Topaz can often be mistaken for Diamonds.
In its natural state, topaz is colourless. Which leads to why Topaz can often be mistaken for Diamonds.
The name Topaz comes from the word Topazios, which is an ancient Greek name for a tiny island located in the Red Sea. This small island is now more commonly known as Zabargad.
Topaz can be found in a large variety and range of different colours and is often referred to as the rainbow gem.
A unique type of pink-coloured Topaz was discovered in the 19th century Russia and was named the ‘Imperial Topaz’ to honour the Russian Czar. The Imperial Topaz was once restricted and exclusive to the Russian royal family only.
Blue Topaz is the official 4th wedding anniversary gemstone, making it a great gift to celebrate 4 years together.
Citrine Birthstone Facts
Citrine gets its name from the old French word ‘Citron’ which means lemon. Which explains its enchanting yellow colouring.
Citrine was first found in the 1600s by a Spanish explorer. It is said he came across a mine that was filled with large amounts of Citrine and Amethyst too.
The largest Citrine gems are 20,200 carats and weigh almost 9 pounds and called the ‘Malaga’ Citrine. This impressive stone was discovered in the 1980s and in 2009 a team of expert Brazilian cutters used their technical expertise to cut the stone to produce an extraordinary gemstone.
Citrine is said to be a traditional 13th wedding anniversary gift. It’s meant to symbolise good luck and believed to block negative energy.
Citrine is the most popular of all the quartzes, closely followed by the popular pink gemstone Amethyst.