Let The Sun Shine In With Citrine
Topaz is considered the traditional November birthstones … but why keep up with tradition? And, I’m sure the November babies out there wouldn’t complain about some extra sunshine in their life, which makes the lovely citrine gem a popular and beautiful November alternative birthstone.
This yellow gemstone comes in a wide variety of intensities from light yellow to gold or orange brown shades. Citrine is also believed to be the most appealing and desirable of all yellow gems because it is readily available and affordable.
Similar to amethyst, the darker the color citrine, the more sought after and highly prized the stone is. At one time citrine was found in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, but today no American sources are considered substantial contributors of the overall supply. Citrine is now found in Madeira, Spain, Brazil, Bolivia, several countries in Africa, and parts of the Soviet Union.
Citrine has been named the “stone of the mind,” because of the ancient belief that placing a citrine on the forehead would bring great psychic powers. It has also been thought to help with emotional healing, but only when the shade is a light yellow. In ancient times, citrine was thought to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom It has been said that citrine can also help to relax the body and cleanse it of toxins.
Romans are believed to be the first to wear the yellow quartz, often setting it into jewelry, but it gained more popularity during the “Romantic Period” where it was usually paired with gold. The name citrine came from the French word, “citrin,” which means lemon. Citrine is also thought to stand for cheerfulness, hope and youth.
This November, birthstone or not, why not bring some extra sunshine into your life?
Tags: Amethyst, citrine gem, color citrine, November alternative birthstone, stone of the mind, Topaz, traditional November birthstones, yellow gems, yellow gemstone, yellow quartz