Every month has a birthstone, and
November’s just happens to be citrine. The citrine is a
yellowish-gold stone that is believed to have many different meanings
and healing powers. On top of this, it can be made into many
different types of jewelry, from rings to pendants. Unlike opal,
which is believed to put a “jinx” on you if you wear it and it
isn’t your birthstone, there is no such superstition about citrine.
This means that no matter which month you were born in, you can wear
jewelry made from it!
Citrine Basics
Citrine is a type of quartz. Quartz is
a crystal that is quite abundant in the earth; it can be found in
many different colors, all of which depend on its particular chemical
composition. Some semi-precious stones fall into the quartz category.
These include citrine, amethyst, carnelian, agate, jasper, tiger’s
eye, onyx and chalcedony. Although quartz crystals have some
industrial uses, the aforementioned varieties are primarily used in
jewelry.
The citrine is normally a pale yellow
color, but it can range from orange to brown to greenish-yellow and
even gold. When the stone is cut properly and set into a pendant,
ring, or other piece of jewelry, it can look a lot like a topaz.
However, citrine and topaz differ in hardness, making it easy to tell
them apart on that level. For the most part, citrine is found in
Brazil and Spain, but it is mined in other parts of the world, as
well.
Healing Powers and Other Meanings
Some New Age believes compare the
citrine to the power of the sun. That is, it holds warmth and
positive energy, and can make negative energy dissipate back into the
atmosphere. The citrine can also help clear your mind, increase your
self-esteem, and physically, improve your digestion. On a non-New Age
level, the citrine is a traditional gift for a 13th
anniversary.
Citrine Jewelry
Citrine gemstone jewelry is very popular and although citrine is considered a
semi-precious gemstone, when cut properly, it looks amazing and can
be pricey – but not as expensive as precious stones, like diamonds.
For example, an 18 carat citrine set into a 14 karat gold ring with
diamond accents costs around $2,600.00. When you compare that to the
cost of an 18 carat diamond, the citrine looks affordable! Other
excellent uses for the citrine include earrings (both dangling
styles, as well as single stud ones), pendants, and even bracelets.
Like the example above, citrine is usually used as the primary stone,
with accents of diamonds and either sterling silver or gold settings.
Whether or not your birthday is in
November, you can wear citrine jewelry. However, if you were born in
this eleventh month, then you no doubt have an affinity for the
gemstone.
