What is the birthstone for November? Here's the month's dazzling gems.
If you have a friend or loved one born in November, you'll want to know the month's symbols to give the perfect gift.
People born in November can have one of two astrological signs: Scorpio (Nov. 1 through 21) or Sagittarius (Nov. 22 through 30). The chrysanthemum also represents those born in November.
Beyond flowers and Zodiac signs, each month also has at least one gemstone. November has two. Here's what you need to know about the November birthstones.
November birthstones
Topaz and citrine are the birthstones for November.
Some believe Topaz's name derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning "fire," according to the Geological Institute of America. This is fitting since one of the gem's well-known varieties is yellow. Others, however, suspect topaz is named after the Greek word "topazos," the International Gem Society reports.
Besides yellow, the stone comes in a range of hues, including blue, pink, violet, brown and orange.
Topaz is primarily mined in Brazil and northwestern Pakistan, the Geological Institute of America reports. Other mining sites include Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the U.S.
Historically, pink-orange topaz held a special place among royalty. This gained the variety the nickname, "Imperial topaz," according to the International Gem Society. The moniker comes courtesy of the 19th-century Russian royal family. Imperial topaz's origins are also associated with Brazilian Emperor Pedro II being gifted the gem in 1881, the Geological Institute of America reports.
The ancient Greeks thought topaz would bring strength. In India, wearing topaz above your heart would provide a long life, beauty and intelligence, the Geological Institute of America reports. Yellow topaz, in particular, is said to yield wealth because its color "represents the riches of gold," according to the International Gem Society.
Blue topaz is a traditional fourth wedding anniversary gift, while Imperial topaz is for the twenty-third wedding anniversary, the Geological Institute of America reports.
November's other birthstone
Citrine is the other birthstone for November. It is a type of quartz, ranging in color from yellow to brown-orange and its name originates from the French word "citron," meaning "lemon," the International Gem Society reports.
Most citrine comes from the heat treatment of amethyst, according to the Geological Institute of America. The gem is mined in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay.
As for its history, citrine dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks made ornaments from the stone, while Roman pontiffs wore jewelry made of citrine and amethyst, the Geological Institute of America reports. The stone also has European roots since Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era often utilized citrine.
The stone is associated with happiness and joy, according to the International Gem Society. It is seen as a "success stone" and is said to bring prosperity. Citrine is also believed to affect the wearer's mood and calm them, the Geological Institute of America reports.
Citrine is also a traditional gift for the thirteenth wedding anniversary.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
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