November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
Topaz
Imperial Topaz Ring
Meaning: The topaz is a symbol of love and affection and has been said to bring a sweet disposition to those who adorn themselves with the jewel.
Origin: The Greeks called the stone ‘Topazion,’ but some say the name Topaz has Sanskrit origins and meant “fire.” The rarest topaz is called “Imperial Topaz,” (either pale pink or a sherry red in color) and is very valuable. The Blue topaz used to be the rarest of the topaz jewels, but scientists have since learned how to recreate the blue color in the lab, so if you find a real blue topaz you are very lucky! The Topaz stone itself was an incredibly rare stone because its deposits were only found in a few select mining sites. But in the 1800s, a large deposit of Topaz was discovered in Brazil, and it became a more widely spread jewel and more affordable for the public.
Sources: The jewel is mined in multiple locations, but the most common sites are in Mexico, Australia, and Brazil. (Having ‘Brazilian Topaz’ seems to be a selling point for jewelers.)
History: Because the most common topaz is a golden honey colored yellow, it was associated with the sun in various cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, who believed the topaz to be connected to their sun god, “Ra.” The topaz has been used for thousands of years, and in Biblical history, the topaz was very significant: Topaz was one of the stones God commanded be placed in the breastplate of the High Priest, to be worn when he came before the Lord to seek a just judgement on God’s people. Each of the 12 stones on the breastplate represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel and their names were inscribed into the stones. I wish I knew which tribe was given to the topaz! The topaz was also the ninth layer of precious stones comprising the city of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.
In general, the Topaz has carried a multitude of culturally significant histories that I like to call it “a stone of a thousand stories.” There are too many to innumerate here.
Fun Facts:
· Mystic Hildegard of Bingen (circa 1255) used the topaz as one of her Healing Stones, and used it as an ailment for failing eyesight. Her method: Soak the topaz stone in wine for three days, then take it out and gently rub it across one’s eyes. Who knows what kind of mystery she was onto? The chemical reactions in precious stones can be pretty remarkable! (see last month’s post on the tourmaline!)
Citrine
Citrine Crystal
Meaning: The Citrine’s meaning is success and is called ‘The Merchant’s Stone.’ Centuries ago, businessmen carried the stone in their pockets or put it in their moneyboxes because they believed it would bring wealth to their business endeavors. It became ‘The Success Stone.’ Later it was dubbed ‘The Merchant’s Stone.’ Several cultures also thought the Citrine would soothe those suffering from depression and sometimes eliminate the depression altogether.
Sources: The Citrine is one of the most affordable jewels on the market because it has deposits all over the globe, but the most common mining sites are in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain and Scotland. Because it was so commonly found in mining sites, (and thus was affordable), it was often a jewel used for big statement pieces by royalty.
Name Origin: The Citrine is a yellow stone, (though it has many hues and shades of yellow and orange), so its name was coined by the French as “Citron,” which means “lemon.”
History: The Romans associated the stone with their sun God, Jupiter, because of the stone’s array of yellow and orange colors. Priests and Noblemen wore the topaz during the 1200-1500’s and often engraved it with a falcon because they believed that those who possessed the Citrine would develop an altruism that expanded into their realms, bringing peace and prosperity to their country. In Scotland during the 1600s, the Citrine became a popular jewel to embellish swords and daggers. And when the Art Deco period, came along, the Citrine became popular with Celebrities.