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November Birthstone Facts

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November, and it is supposed to bring good fortune. Available in myriad colors, topaz has enjoyed a rich, royal preference since ages. As blazing as it appears, this stone becomes more intriguing as we get to know more about its properties and features.
"Who first comes to this world below
With drear November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz's amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true."
The traditional birthstone for people born in November is topaz. While the gemstone topaz gets its name from an ancient Latin word topazus, it also has a relation with the Sanskrit word tapas, which means heat or fire. It is believed that wearing topaz can help control anger.

About Topaz
According to a 13th century belief, wearing a topaz engraved with a falcon would help one develop the goodwill of kings, princes, and other royal blood.
Due to its yellow color, Egyptians believed it to be a glow cast by Ra, the sun-god. Topaz was said to increase the power of mind and even help in the prevention of mental illnesses.
Traditional medicinal use included adding powdered topaz to wine and drinking the concoction. This was said to help in preventing asthma and insomnia. One of the methods used to improve eyesight was to immerse topaz in wine for three days and nights, and to then rub this wine onto one's eyes.

Color
Apart from shades of yellow, the other colors in which topaz is found includes blue, pale green, pink, brown, and black. If you find a pure topaz gemstone, it will be clear or colorless. The colors occur because of minor replacement of elements and defects in the crystal's structure.
The color of this birthstone can also be changed. For example, heating can induce color change in the stone and brown topaz can be bleached in sun. Blue topaz is formed by high energy irradiation and moderate heat treatment.

Alternatives
According to believers, citrine is also considered to be a birthstone for those born in November. This is a yellow gem that belongs to the group of quartz. In ancient times it was said to provide protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. The word citrine comes from the old French word 'citron' meaning lemon.

Jewelry
As Egyptians thought topaz as a sacred gemstone for their sun-god Ra, Romans believed it was sacred for their sun-god Jupiter. Both topaz and citrine are warm, yellow in color,having a brilliant shine in sun.
Because it is a birthstone, topaz is quite popular. There are also many lores attached with it. For example, it was believed that a person wearing topaz jewelry had the ability to see truth over lie, and could withstand the effect of magical spells.
It was also said that a ring made of topaz could reveal the presence of poison by changing its color. People also wore necklaces with topaz as it was said to increase strength in an individual. It was also said that it made the wearer more faithful and constant.
A necklace with a citrine gemstone was said to bring clear vision to the wearer, so much that it helped to see through deception and find truth. A ring made of citrine was said to instill self-confidence, strength and generosity. Such people were also said to brighten up their lives with creativity and prosperity.
In order to understand if these gemstones will help you, it is advised that you consult an expert in the subject.