November Birthstone - Citrine
The citrine is the stone of November, sharing the title with topaz. It can vary in color from light yellow to smokey brown. This stone is in the quartz family and is a symbol of warmth and affection.
In the past, deep red citrine was the most valuable color, but now, the more vivid yellow and orange stones are more popular. Citrine can also form together with amethyst or smokey quartz, forming a bi-colored gemstone called ametrine. Most citrine on the market today is actually heat-treated amethyst.
Citrine takes its name from the French word, “citrin”, meaning “lemon”. Brazil is the world’s largest provider of Citrine, but it can also be found in Argentina, Bolivia, France, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Uruguay and Zambia.
A European History of Citrine
Originally known as gold topaz, the citrine attained fame amongst a European culture demanding unique jewelry. It was renowned as being the only gemstone that was gold in color.
How Citrine Became Popular in America
Citrine became a very popular during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 30s. Large citrines were worn in ornate platinum, and the newly invented white gold mountings. Hollywood stars, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford influenced this newfound popularity by showing off their own large citrine rings. Following the end of WWII, large citrines were popularly worn in large rings contrasting with pink/rose gold during the Retro period. Today large citrines are still popular and are commonly used by top fashion designer jewelry houses, such as David Yurman and Tiffany and Company.
Mystical and Healing Properties of Citrine
Due to its gold color, citrine has been known as the “success stone” and “the merchant’s stone”. It is said to bring prosperity in abundance, and many shop owners have been known to keep citrine in the cash registers.
Citrine is said to generate stability in the life of the wearer and also relieve depression, self-doubt, anger and irrational mood swings. It has been used to treat illnesses of the stomach, thyroid, kidneys, heart, and liver, as well as problems with digestion and sleep.