Citrine – Alternate November Birthstone

Citrine is a yellow to golden member of the quartz mineral group. A deep golden variety from Madiera Spain can resemble the costly imperial topaz gemstone, which is why citrine is a popular birthstone alternative to those born in November.

Many people have come to know and love this stone under the name gold topaz, or Madeira or Spanish topaz, although in actual fact it has very little in common with the higher-quality gemstone topaz - except for a few nuances of color. Thus the history of the citrine is closely interwoven with that of the topaz, and coincides with it completely when it comes to the interpretation of alleged miraculous powers. However, the citrine is a member of the large quartz family, a family which, with its multitude of colors and very various structures, offers gemstone lovers almost everything their hearts desire in terms of adornment and decoration, from absolutely clear rock crystal to black onyx. And it does so at prices that are affordable.

The name is derived from the color - the yellow of the lemon -, although the most sought-after stones have a clear, radiant yellowish to brownish red. Like all crystal quartzes, the citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and is insensitive to scratches. The yellow citrine has that mellow, warm tone that seems to have captured the last glow of autumn. Like golden Rhine wine or sparkling Madeira, heavy and sweet, citrine jewelry shimmers and brings a hint of sunshine to those dull November days.

There are not many yellow gemstones in the world of jewels. However, the citrine fulfills everyone's color wishes, from lemon yellow to reddish brown.

Citrine has been called the “stone of the mind”. Ancient cultures believed that placing a citrine on the forehead of an elder would increase his psychic power. Citrine is known as the lucky “Merchants Stone”. If you are in any type of sales, just put a citrine in the cash drawer and “watch what happens”. 

Healers, sometimes use citrine to help with digestion as it is considered to be beneficial to the endocrine and digestive system; cleansing, purifying and eliminating poisons that have built up in the system. Citrine is an excellent stone to calm and soothe distressed conditions. Some use it to help relieve depression and digestive problems. It will give joy and love to the owner.

Citrine comes from Brazil, Bolivia, several African countries and parts of the Soviet Union.