Those with a November birthday are lucky to have citrine for a birthstone. This warm, orangey-yellow gem is a rare form of quartz - the same mineral from which amethyst originates. There are few references to citrine before the Hellenistic period of Greek history, when someone might wear the sunny gemstone to protect against snake bites or evil thoughts.

Citrine became quite popular in the 1930s and during the Art Deco period, when it was the only known yellow gemstone. Perhaps this is when citrine became known as the gem that would lift the spirits and foster a sunny disposition. In any case, the warm, effervescent yellow of citrine will surely brighten any gray autumn day!