November - Citrine & Topaz
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Wealth — Prosperity — Success
Like a refreshing glass of lemonade, citrine can bring a quick, energetic pick-me-up to those who use it with diligence and respect. In times of low to moderate stress, Citrine is a perfect ally for realigning your energies back into balance. Citrine is the perfect tool to cleanse and rejuvenate your spirit and should be used especially if exposed to a lot of toxic people. Citrine crystals carry virtues of self-improvement with them and are excellent stones for self-healing. It imparts joy, wonder, delight and enthusiasm; raises self-esteem and self-confidence; stimulates the brain and strengthening the intellect; promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. It is also known as the success stone and the merchant’s stone due to its ability to transmute energies easily and to manifest abundance in business or career. For those involved in business ventures, citrine can be an excellent tool to increase the flow of money-based energy.
Citrine has been one of the most popular gemstones for centuries and continues to be highly sought after even today. Easily recognized by its vivid yellow color, this affordable gemstone makes for beautiful and eye-catching jewelry. While citrine remains a relatively affordable gemstone with very high demand, it’s very rare in nature and most commercial grade citrines in the market are really not natural citrines but heat-treated purple amethyst or smoky quartz. Amethysts and smoky quartz are heated to turn them yellow or orange and sold as "citrine." Like all gemstones, there are four main factors that you should take into account when shopping for your ideal piece of citrine - color, cut, clarity and carat. Each are important and can add or detract from the value of your stone. The most desirable color of a citrine is a rich brownish orange color with semi-transparency, similar to the color of amber. It also resembles the pricier yellow diamond and yellow topaz. Citrine is commonly faceted to bring out its light performance and to add depth to its appearance. Citrine can sometimes contain inclusions, but this is quite rare. In general, citrine has excellent clarity with most gemstones free of any visible inclusions.
Care for Your Citrine Jewelry: Citrine has a hardness rating of 7 which makes it a rather soft gemstone. It can easily get scratched if bumped or rubbed against other objects. However, citrine has very good toughness, meaning that it doesn’t chip or break easily. If taken care of, citrine can last a very long time. While they are ideal for pendants and earrings, citrine isn’t the best gemstone in rings or bracelets for daily wear as these are subject to high exposure. Citrine can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as citrine should not be subjected to heat.
Peace — Balance — Authenticity
Topaz holds profound spiritual meaning and significance across various cultures and belief systems, often symbolizing emotional clarity, love, and manifestation of intentions. Renowned as a stone of wisdom, topaz is believed to enhance knowledge and promote stability in both personal and professional endeavors. Many consider it a powerful and protective talisman that fosters a sense of peace and balance, enabling individuals to overcome challenges with confidence and grace. In crystal healing, topaz is associated with the throat chakra, facilitating open communication and expression of one’s true self, thereby promoting authenticity in relationships. Additionally, its vibrant colors, particularly the golden hues of imperial topaz, are thought to bring abundance, prosperity, and joy, making it a favored stone among those seeking to attract positive energy and manifest their desires. Across historical contexts, topaz has been revered as a stone of power and protection, often carried by warriors and leaders, reinforcing its reputation as a tool for spiritual empowerment and enlightenment.
Topaz is a silicate mineral widely admired for its exceptional clarity and vibrant array of colors, which include colorless, blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, green, and the rare "imperial topaz" hue, known for its rich golden-orange appearance. This gemstone forms in igneous rocks and is primarily found in regions such as Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. Known for its hardness, topaz ranks at 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice for jewelry. The different colors of topaz result from trace minerals and defects within its crystal lattice, with treatments often used to enhance these natural hues, particularly the popular blue topaz. Beyond its physical beauty, topaz carries symbolic meanings, often associated with loyalty, love, and emotional clarity, making it a cherished stone in both historical and contemporary contexts. Its historical significance is highlighted by its use in ancient Egyptian jewelry, where it was believed to harness the power of the sun god, Ra. Today, it remains a popular gemstone for both collectors and wearers who appreciate its unique aesthetic and historical value.
How to Care for Topaz Jewelry: Caring for topaz jewelry involves a few mindful practices to maintain its brilliance and integrity. Despite its ranking of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it resistant to scratches, topaz can still be vulnerable to abrasive surfaces and sharp blows that may cause chipping or cracking. To preserve its luster, clean topaz jewelry periodically with mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or brush to gently remove dirt and oils. It's essential to avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners that can damage the gemstone's surface or alter its color. When storing topaz pieces, keep them separate from other jewelry to prevent contact that might cause scratches or other damage. Consider wrapping them in a soft cloth or placing them in a padded jewelry box. By following these care guidelines, topaz jewelry can retain its stunning appearance and continue to be a cherished part of any collection for years to come.