November's Birthstone:
Citrine or Yellow Topaz

The traditional november birthstone is the Citrine, but the mystical tradition has the pearl and the Ayurvedics use the Topaz. Other traditions use the Diamond (which isn't a bad gem to use for just about anything. )

Way back when citrine was carried to protect against evil thoughts and snake venom. In modern times, people who use crystals for healing use Citrine for upliftment. Citrine encourages the yellow ray to support the body. This stone also helps one process energy work.

Citrine is a quartz crystal,

or cluster of quartz crystals, that is orange to yellow in color. As such, while being a very pretty stone it's not in the same class as diamonds and rubies. Citrine is much less common than Quartz, but it's hadly rare or exotic.

Named from the French word for lemon,"citron" many citrines have a juicy lemon color, but like all gemstones, there is a range of colors and they can all be exhibited as "citrine."

Usually citine, in its natural form, is actually a paler yellow. Heating darkens the color and give it the more desireable orange/yellow color. For this reason citrine jewelry should be kep away from prolonged expusure to light or heat.

Much of the citrine on the market actually started its life as lesser quality amethyst, which was then heated to turn its color to gold. For this reason all of your citrine jewelry, as well as your amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.

The darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine, after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color. in modern times many people prefer the bright lemony shades, which mix better with pastel colors of clothing.

Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.

Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.