What does topaz mean?
Topaz has long been believed to bring strength and calm. The ancient Greeks thought it made them strong, and from the 1300s to the 1600s Europeans believed it could break magic spells and dispel anger.
In India, many have believed for centuries that topaz worn above the heart brings long life, beauty and intelligence.
It comes in a rainbow of colors. The pinkish orange Imperial topaz is said to take its name from the Russian royal family, who kept the finest stones for themselves.
Fire
Some trace the word topaz to the Sanskrit tapas, which means fire. Others trace it to the Greek topazos.
What does citrine mean?
Citrine is the yellow to brownish orange kind of quartz. It was so often mistaken for topaz that people gave it the same powers, and believed it could soothe tempers and calm the wearer.
The name is believed to come from citron, French for lemon. Citrine has been worn since ancient times and was a favorite in colorful Victorian Scottish jewelry.
Most citrine today is amethyst that has been heat treated to gold. Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay are the top natural sources.
How to care for topaz and citrine
Topaz is hard, 8 on the Mohs scale, but it chips and cracks if knocked. Keep it from high heat and sudden changes of temperature, and long hours in the sun can fade some yellow to brown stones.
Citrine is 7 with good toughness, so it is fine for normal wear. Steam can crack it.
Warm, soapy water is the safe way to clean both. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners on topaz.
Topaz or citrine: which is the November birthstone?
Both. The two share a warm golden color and, for centuries, a mixed-up identity.
 Topaz |  Citrine | |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Golden orange, blue, pink, violet | Yellow to brownish orange |
| Hardness | 8, but can chip | 7, with good toughness |
| Mostly from | Brazil, Pakistan, Russia and more | Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay |
| Anniversary | 4th (blue), 23rd (Imperial) | 13th |
Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and heated, and its color is permanent.
November’s birth flower: chrysanthemumWhat it means, and how to send it →