Citrine, the November birthstone, is one of the top-selling yellow gemstones. Here’s why.
If you’re a lover of citrus fruit and earth tones in general, you’re in for a real treat with this month’s birthstone. Introducing citrine, the vitamin C of gemstones. Citrine gets its succulent-sounding name from its lemon-yellow coloration.
Wearers of the November birthstone are said to experience enlightenment, optimism, warmth, and clarity, as well as a decrease in negative energy. It’s also thought to aid in healing the physical self.
November Birthstone: Sweet Citrines Are Made of This
Like amethyst, citrine is a variety of quartz – one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust. Its yellow-to-orange hues are caused by trace amounts of iron in its crystal structure.
Don’t worry, you won’t be tested on any of this!
November Birthstone: Few and Far Citrine
Given the abundance and variety of quartz, you’d be forgiven for thinking that citrine, too, is a common gemstone. However, natural yellow citrine is actually quite rare.
Nevertheless, the November birthstone is relatively affordable, so you can get a much larger, more ornate stone for your dollar. Citrine’s value is not determined by size, but rather by the intensity of color. The more intense the color, the more expensive the stone.
Pro tip: Citrine is often mistaken for the more valuable gemstone topaz, which has a similar appearance. Make sure you’re not overpaying for citrine mislabeled as topaz.
November Birthstone: Celebs and Citrine
Kate Middleton may officially go by The Duchess of Cambridge, but we know her simply as the Queen of Citrine. Her ring is estimated to be around five to seven carats, yet surprisingly light on the purse strings.
Another celeb to say Hello to the November birthstone is Adele. The Grammy Award winner swears by citrine and won’t perform without it. She goes so far as to attribute the success of her live shows to the crystal’s supposed powers.
November Birthstone: A Citrine Come True
Do you dream of citrine? Let us know in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.
Check out our previous guides: January garnets, February amethysts, March aquamarines, April diamonds, May emeralds, July rubies.
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Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.