Celebrating Citrine, the November Birthstone

November babies are extra lucky as they get to choose from two beautiful gemstones: Citrine and Topaz. Citrine is a transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz. In old times citrine used to be confused with topaz, and sometimes even with sapphire, due to its tawny colour. It is known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Citrine has been a popular gemstone since ancient times and has shared a history of mistaken identities with the other November birthstone, topaz. As a result, people thought citrine had the same powers as topaz.

Citrine, believed to derive from the French word for “lemon” (citron), is also the gemstone for the thirteenth wedding anniversary.

At 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness with good toughness, your citrine birthstone is usually durable enough for normal wear and care. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and can withstand being cleaned in an ultrasonic machine, but avoid steam cleaning since high heat could cause the stone to crack.

Citrine is believed to be of value in healing the spiritual self, as it carries the virtues of self-healing, inspiration and self-improvement. Carrying the power of the sun, it is excellent for overcoming depression, fears and phobias. In fact, it is believed that citrine energises every level of life. A true all rounder, citrine is said to attract wealth, prosperity and success and impart joy, wonder, delight and enthusiasm.  While raising self-esteem and self-confidence, citrine is also said to promote motivation, activate creativity and encourages self-expression.