Clarity Blog
Did you Know...
About Citrine
Metaphysical Properties
Citrine is the birthstone for November and has been referred to as the "success stone," "merchant's stone" or "money stone." Because of its yellow color, citrine is thought of as a joyous stone with sunshiny energy to brighten up the lives of those who work with it and wear it.
Geological Properties
Citrine is a macrocrystalline form of quartz, as are amethyst, aventurine and rose quartz. It is a mineral based on silicon dioxide.
Gem-quality transparent specimens of citrine with good color are very rare. Natural citrine is rare. Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Deposits of natural-colored citrine have been mined in Brazil, the leading producer, as well as the United States, Madagascar, Argentina, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Scotland and Spain.
Due to its color, citrine is sometimes confused with yellow topaz, yellow beryl and yellow tourmaline. Like other members of the quartz family, citrine crystal veins typically form from molten magma or from a mineral solution in the rock deposited through precipitation.
About Imperial Topaz
Imperial Topaz is the precious gemstone for the month of November. Imperial Topaz, also known as Golden Topaz, is an aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide mineral that crystallizes in the form of small prismatic crystals. It comes in yellow, pink, red, lavender-pink and peach-pink topaz. These stones are more along the lines of a peachy-yellow color. It is a fairly hard stone at 8/10 on the Mohrs hardness scale (Rubies & Sapphires are 9/10, Diamonds are 10/10).
Meaning & Properties
The ancient Greeks believed that topaz was a powerful stone that could increase the strength of the wearer and even provide invisibility. Both the ancient Egyptians and the Romans associated yellow topaz with the Sun God. Imperial topaz is the birthstone for those born in November and for those born under the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius & Scorpio (depending on the date). The Imperial topaz is a highly spiritual stone that brings energy, generosity, abundance and good health.
Care of Citrine & Imperial Topaz
Citrine & Topaz can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water. It is generally safe to use ultrasonic cleaners except when the stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as citrine should not be subjected to heat.
(Source: https://www.firemountaingems.com/, https://www.gemstonist.com/imperial-topaz/)