Poem: Tiffany’s Photo: Icon Jewels @ Wikimedia Commons

November is the eleventh month of the Gregorian calendar. In the Southern Hemisphere, November sits on the tail of spring. In the Northern Hemisphere, November is a month of late fall. Every year on the third Thursday of November, families in America get together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Trailing Thanksgiving are two of the biggest sales events of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. November is host to two zodiac signs: Scorpio and Sagittarius. The birth flowers of November are chrysanthemum and peony.

The idea of using gemstones to represent one’s birthday has an ancient root. Some scholars believe that the concept of birthstones originates from the breastplate of Aaron in the Bible. There are dedicated gemstones for your birth month, year, day, zodiac sign, and even day of the week. In this article, we’re focusing on gemstones that represent a birth month—specifically, November.

The month of November has been represented by different gemstones in the past and in different cultures. For this article, we’ve shortlisted three November birthstones to share with our readers: topaz, citrine, and pearl.

1. Topaz

Photo: Cut Topaz Credit: Phil Lagas-Rivera @ Flickr

Topaz is both a traditional and a modern November birthstone. Topaz comes in a wide range of colors, including but not limited to pink, turquoise, and amber. However, topaz is best known as a yellow gemstone. All topazes are attractive and believed to be beneficial to the wearer, but generally speaking, amber topaz is the most popular color as November birth gem. Depending on their shades of color, they’re also called orange topazes or golden topazes.

According to Pliny the Elder, author of Naturalis Historia, the name topaz came from an ancient Egyptian island of Topazos (sometimes spelled Topazus or Topazios) in the Red Sea where the mineral was mined. Some scholars believe the word topaz may share a connection with Sanksrit word tapaz, which means “fire.” Fire is an apt description of how light dances off these yellow stones.

Before advances were made in Gemology, the term topaz was used loosely to describe almost any yellow gemstones. For example, yellowish chrysolite (peridot) had been called topaz in the past.

In ancient Greece, warriors believed that wearing topaz into battle would make them stronger and, in some cases, invisible. This idea that topaz affected sight was not only restricted to Greece. St. Hildegard believed that soaking a topaz in wine and setting it out under the moon for three nights and then rubbing it over the eyes would help with poor vision.

Topaz is often associated with the sun and gold. In jewelry-making, topaz is traditionally set in gold. In past centuries it was thought that the golden color of topaz would attract more gold to the owner’s life. This golden color and fiery energy mean topaz should be worn someone is trying to attract good fortunes or raise their self-esteem.

Topaz is a symbol of fruitfulness, faithfulness, calm, warmth, wealth, and good fortune.

2. Citrine

Above: Cushion-cut Citrine Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Citrine is a modern birthstone. It is a colored variety of quartz that is found in shades of yellow: from light yellow to amber.

Historically citrine was prized for its warm color that many thought would attract wealth and good fortune. Citrine is a good gemstone to wear when someone wants to forge new business or solidify financial relationships. Not only does it attract money, but its energy also helps promote good moods and positive energy.

Citrine is used to represent the Manipura chakra when meditating to strengthen personal power and confidence. This radiant energy also makes citrine one of only two stones, along with selenite, that does not require purifying or recharging between uses. In short, citrine is a symbol of wealth, good fortune, positive energy, and self-confidence.

Citrine is one of the most sought-after semi-precious gemstones. Despite great demand, citrine is still relatively affordable. Unfortunately, citrines are often fakes, so make sure you buy from a reputable jewelry dealer. By fakes, we don’t mean plastics or glass or anything like that. Fake citrines are still crystals. They are often produced by heat-treating amethyst or less expensive quartz.

3. Pearl

Photo: Akoya Pearls Credit: Mauro Cateb @ Flickr

Pearl is a traditional November gemstone. Pearl was one of November’s original birthstones. Pearls were disfavored along with other opaque stones in 1912 when jewelers created a “modern” list that catered more to tastes at the time than the traditional list. Despite this, many people still prefer the classic and beautiful pearl. Outside of its role as November birthstone, the pearl is one of the most popular gems in the world.

Pearl symbolizes the moon, wisdom, serenity, innocence, purity, loyalty, and wealth.

The history of this November gem can be traced back centuries. The earliest record of pearls comes from China in 2206 BC, and they have been coveted ever since. Many eastern traditions viewed pearls as tokens of wisdom. Ancient Japanese myths claimed that pearls were created from the tears of mermaids and water nymphs. While Chinese traditions held that pearls were formed in the heads of dragons and only those brave enough to slay the dragon could rightfully own a pearl. The Hindus taught that pearls came from rainbows, and lightning created their imperfections.

Many people believe that pearls came from grains of sand. But that is rarely true, more common stimuli are organic material, parasites, and even part of the mantle. In the case of a parasite stimulus, the parasite would get into a mollusks shell, and the mollusk slowly coats the irritant with several layers of the same material it uses to build its shell. This long and slow process will eventually result in a pearl; the entire process could take years. It is also interesting to note that as they are made of mollusks and not from stone.

Pearls are considered gemstones but they are more gems than stones, due to their organic nature.

November Gemstones

In this article, we’ve discussed three unique gemstones that represent November: topaz, citrine, and pearl. These gemstones have distinct characteristics, meanings, symbolism, and history. They’re excellent gifts for yourself or someone who was born in November. While many of the effects and beliefs aren’t scientifically proven, it definitely feels amazing to own a beautiful gemstone that represents you. And a lot can be achieved when you’re feeling good about yourself.

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

Birthstones by Month

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October|  November | December

References

https://archive.org/details/gemsgemminerals00farrrich/

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/topaz-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/

The post November Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Every month of the year is represented by unique birthstones and birth flowers. The concept of birthstones is said to originate from a breastplate of Aaron representing the twelve tribes of Israel, dating back to Biblical times. While there’s no way to confirm the actual origins, one thing is certain–it sure feels good to know that there are certain gemstones that belong to your birth month.

What Are the Birthstones of June?

June has three birthstones. The most popular is the pearl, followed by alexandrite, and moonstone. If you’re celebrating birthday in June, these are the gemstones that are believed to complement your strengths and alleviate your weaknesses. Wear these gemstones as accessories yourself or give them to someone as a meaningful gift.

1. Pearl

Above: pearls of different colors. Credit: Mauro Cateb

The first June birthstone we have on our list is the captivating pearl.

Pearls originate from either fresh or salt water mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. They form when the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre around an irritant that has entered the shell, usually a grain of sand or a parasite. There are man made pearls using the same process but in a farm setting. Years of fishing for pearls has destroyed the natural pearl beds, so cultured pearls make up most of sales today. They can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Pearls have a variety of meanings, the most common being innocence and purity. It is said this June birthstone means “sweet simplicity.” Pearls are commonly gifted for weddings as they also mean long life and prosperity. In Asia, pearls were used as a holistic medicine to help treat indigestion. Some Arab doctors believed pearls aide in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

A natural pearl will have a milky white hue that is reflective with a healthy sheen. Most cultured pearls have the ability to be dyed a range of colors.

On the scale of hardness, known as the Mohs scale, the pearl scores a 3, making is rather soft. Do not store with other jewelry as they can scratch the pearl. Also never store them in plastic, as it can emit a chemical that can damage the pearl’s surface. Use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning.

2. Alexandrite

Above: alexandrite. Credit: Amila Tennakoon – Album: Gems of Sri Lanka.

Alexandrite is is another popular June gemstone, Alexandrite originates from the Ural Mountains in Russia. The stone is the rarest variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. A more common occurrence of this mineral is the chatoyance, “cat’s-eye”.

The recorded history of alexandrite is relatively recent. It was only first discovered in the 1800s in Russian Uralskie Gory. The gemstone was named in honor of Alexander II, heir to the Russian Empire throne at the time.

The Russians were in awe of the stone as it possesses color changing properties and reflected green and red hues similar to the military colors at the time. It is said to bring luck and good fortune. The alexandrite deposit at the Ural Mountains have since been mined out and most alexandrite now comes from Brazil and East Africa.

Alexandrite was known for its color changing properties, ranging from blue greens to purplish reds. The Russian origin stone was very vibrant whereas the stones harvested today from Brazil are not as high quality. Some of the prominent color changing alexandrite can still be found but is much rarer and the cost reflects.

The stone scores an 8.5 on the Mohs scale making it a rather durable gem. You can clean with warm, soapy water or an ultrasonic or steam cleaner as well.

3. Moonstone

Moonstone. Credit: Amila Tennakoon

Moonstone comes from the mineral adularia, named for an early mining site near Mt. Adular in Switzerland. It also gave name to the term adularescence, which refers to the stone’s milky glow, referring to moonlight floating on water. It is also said the stone’s appearance shifts with the changes of the moon.

The moonstone is has an ancient history across different cultures. Its presence is found in Roman, Greek, and Hindu mythologies. The meaning behind the stone is love and fertility and is also said to bring good luck. Today, moonstone is mostly found in Australia, Madagascar, and the United States. The most sought-after moonstone is in Sri Lanka and is transparent with a blue shimmer. The mines have been mostly cleaned out making this stone very valuable.

Moonstone gained popularity in the Art Nouveau era in the 1890s but faded in the early 1900s. It reemerged in the 1960s during the “flower child” movement and then again in the 1990s as new designers began using the stone.

The stone is a 6 on the Mohs scale and is not a tough stone. Moonstone cracks at high heat and can be damaged when struck. To clean moonstone, use care and warm, soapy water.

Wrapping Up

The month of June is celebrated by three distinct gemstones. From the dazzling moonstone to the classic pearl, and the ever-enchanting alexandrite. Each gemstone have their own unique qualities that are sure to wow anyone. As jewelry, they’re excellent gifts for June babies. But at the same time they are also deeply meaningful gifts when given by someone who’s born in June. It’s like sharing good luck and blessings with someone you care about.

Birthstones by Month

January Birthstones | February Birthstones | March Birthstones | April Birthstones | May Birthstones | June Birthstones | July Birthstones | August Birthstones | September Birthstones | October Birthstones|  November Birthstones | December Birthstones

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries Stones | Taurus Stones | Gemini Stones | Cancer Stones | Leo Stones | Virgo Stones | Libra Stones | Scorpio Stones | Sagittarius Stones | Capricorn Stones | Aquarius Stones | Pisces Stones

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