Sunny citrine, which ranges in color from a dark maple syrup to honey, offers a bit of warmth to those born in November. As with many natural gems, citrine is a rare form of quartz and is hard to come by in nature (which makes it precious!). Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, forming at all temperatures and in all types of rock. It is still unknown what gives natural citrine its color. The presence of iron or aluminum in the crystal may be responsible.

Though not valued the way ruby, sapphire, and emerald has been, quartz has been an important part of the lives of people around the world for tens of thousands of years. Prehistoric people used it to fashion tools, and it has been found in ancient passage tombs in England and Ireland. The Aboriginal Australians call it maban, and it is said to be the source of a shaman’s power. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, people carved protective talismans from many types of quartz. As rare as citrine is, it would have been particularly prized by anyone who happened to come upon it.

Just as she did with Australian opals, Queen Victoria popularized Scottish jewelry during her reign from 1837 to 1901. The availability of large citrines, as well as their color, made them an attractive option for the brooches and pendants in earth tones characteristic of the Scottish style of this era.

Artists of the Art Deco period of the early 20th century used citrine not only in jewelry, but in sculpture, as well, carving figurines out of massive crystals. Modern jewelry designers take advantage of the availability of large gems upwards of 20 carats to make bold statements with cameos and intaglios or unique fantasy cuts.

It is thought that citrine draws off stress and negativity from your body and brings in a quiet, refreshing peace. It was also sometimes called the gold stone and was believed to hold the power of the sun in some ancient civilizations. Citrine stands on its own as a unique and enchanting gem with its sunny color it reminds one of positivity and happiness. As a more affordable alternative to the traditional November topaz birthstone, and it’s a perfect fit with the colors of Fall with its warmth and cheer.