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Alternative Birthstone of July; Citrine and Garnets
Alternative Birthstone of July; Citrine and Garnets
1- What is the color for July?
The associated color to the month of July is red, and the gemstone for this month is Ruby. Rubies are famous for being red, in its deepest shade signifying passion love and vitality. This is a very active color that brings the associations with warmth that is appropriate for one of the summer months – July. Cultured rubies have had a long-standing value for their aesthetic and scarcity; thus, they are usually applied to ornaments and considered to be valuable stones. The ruby is red and this gives it an aura of class and luxury hence people born in July find this symbol very impactful.
2- Introduction of July Alternative Birthstones?
July, traditionally associated with the vibrant red ruby, also has alternative birthstones: We can also add garnet and citrine, two of the most beautiful semi precious gemstones.
Most people think that garnets are just red but, in fact, they are available in green, orange and even pink. Generally associated with history and also acting as symbols of security and might, garnets have been applied in jewelry and other accessories for many years. It is thought that they evoke passion, improve creativity, and offer a form of spirituality.
Citrine, therefore, adorns the middle to orange color shade range as it is a splendid gemstone. Credited for wealth and success it is commonly referred to as the merchant’s stone. Citrine’s colours reflect the sun and thus are believed to give the holder high energy, success, prosperity and warmth. Some people also use it to encourage focus and self-organization, as well as for experiencing positive mood and feeling good.
3- Introduction to Citrine July Birthstone
A. Introduction to Citrine
Citrine is rich in shades of yellow to orange, and is correspondingly warm in its proper meaning of the word. It is clear and can lighten from pale yellow to pale amber that somewhat looks like sunshine gold. Citrine being historically a gorgeous gemstone, which has been valued and sought for a long time. The name given is a French term for the fruit, lemon, Its colour is also reminiscent of that fruit. It was also considered helpful, per healing stone tradition, to have citrine as a protection and success amulet. Citrine is mainly sourced in Brazil, Madagascar, as well as in Russia. The one called ‘merchant’s stone’ stands for wealth and is valued for having positive energy in it and in a person who wears it.
B. Properties of Citrine
Citrine a yellow to amber colored stone has a Mohs hardness of 7, and is perfect for most jewelry articles. The fruits are round and may grow as large as a child’s head and can be of different varieties of colors from pale yellow to deep orange color. Citrine is also metaphysically used as a stone of prosperity since it is sometimes referred to as the merchant’s stone. Moreover, citrine is considered to be able to attract wealth, increase creativity, and even help in improving disposition. It is also believed to help remove negative energy and build self esteem and confidence and therefore commonly used in treatments based on spirituality.
C. Citrine in Jewelry
Citrine is extensively used in jewelry and it is used to make rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets among other ornaments. It ranges in color from stony yellow to amber and takes high polished gold and silver setting beautifully well. For instance, there are solitaire rings, pendant necklaces and other statement ornaments where the brightness of citrine could be reached to the maximum.
To maintain citrine jewelry, wash it with mild soap and warm water and use a soft bristle brush to scrub off the grime. Fractions should not be exposed to corrosive agents and temperature fluctuations as they negatively affect the features of stone. Clean citrine pieces with care, avoid storing them together as they may get scratched. Citrine jewelry ought to be well taken care of so that it can hold the beauty and the brilliance it has for many years.
D. Citrine and Zodiac
Citrine is associated to the zodiac signs such as Gemini, Aries, Leo, and Libra in boosting their creative, energetic, and positive outlook personalities. While ruby is the gem that represents people born in July, citrine adds other advantages for those people. The citrine ranges from a sunny yellow to the amber color; it is popularly known as the ‘success stone’; it has properties that attract wealth, success, and prosperity. Citrine can in particular optimise one’s personal incoming power, help to become more self-confident, and improve one’s ability to think clearly for persons born in July. The warm energy identified with the couple is harmonious to the sunny disposition associated with people born in summer. Due to citrine’s properties associated with the manifestation of wealth and abundance, it is an ideal stone to help in the development of the self and the attainment of various objectives promoting a positive energy all year round.
E. Citrine's Symbolism and Meaning
Citrine is typically warm colored, ranging from yellow-orange; it is said to attract wealth and happiness. It is also thus often called the “stone of abundance” as it is said help in drawing wealth, success, and prosperity into the life of the holder making it rather popular among merchants or business oriented people. It is warm and sunny and these are associated with positive ideal like happiness, energy, and clear perception. Citrine in the traditional history has been considered as gemstone that has to be able to cure ailments and was used as an amulet.
According to historical uses, citrine was used in intaglio work of rings as well as in cabochons, which were popular during the Greco-Roman age. Chinese believe citrine to be a symbol of money magnet as well as brings good fortune into the life of any owner. Citrine was also used by Egyptians as an amulet; it was believed that it could shield one from evil thoughts and snake bites.
Citrine in today’s world is appreciated due to its properties which help to remove negative energy, as well as to inspire creativity and penetrate a directed desire. It is used as a representation of heat and positivity that makes the gemstone to be cherished all over the world among different cultures and regions due to its elegance and metaphysical character.
3- Introduction to Garnet July Birthstone
A. Introduction to Garnet
Garnet is a brightly colored gemstone with red undertones; however, this gemstone is available in many colors. It usually has a hue from bright red to orange, and sometimes green, yellow and purple. The major types include bowline which is deep red, the pyrope which is bright red, the spessartine which is yellow to orangish and the grossular which can be greenish, yellow or brown. Owing to the size, color, all in all each garnet has its own characteristics that make it special and apt for jewelry. Garnet is quite popular as a gemstone because of its beautifying shine and versatile colors.
B. Properties of Garnet
It is hard shaped gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6. 5 to 7. Soline is felt to be of grade 5 on the Mohs scale of relative hardness. It is available in different colors; red, green, orange, yellow and purple though the most commonly found is red. Physically, garnet is a mineral that has a high RI, that is, it has a high ability to refract light hence it glistens.
In the metaphysical world, garnet is said to be protective, strengthening and balancing stone. There are claims that it fosters feelings of love and devotion, increases self esteem, and has an effect on one’s state of being. Garnet is also believed to shield one from any undesirable influences and serve to benefit the individual’s welfare.
C. Garnet in Jewelry
It is a rather unpretentious stone that can be incorporated in different classes of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. It is generally located either in gold or in silver in order to stand out from other brightly colored gems with its deep timid red color of tones. The garnet most often used in the designs is the vintage and Victorian settings which give it a more polished look.
In so, to clean garnet jewelry, wash the pieces with warm soapy water and a gentle brush and do not use chemicals that are too strong. It is advised to keep garnet pieces in individual cases, or divorced from other gemstones because garnet has the property to scratch other delicate stones. Beautiful garnet jewelry should be taken good care of so as to keep its rich color and sparkle for a long time.
D. Garnet and Zodiac
Garnet is linked to Capricor and Aquarius zodiac signs In diamond, Garnet is the lucky stone. Nevertheless, people born in the month of July can also consider this gemstone their birthstone as it is supposed to have many advantages for the individuals of this zodiac sign. It is believed that garnet helps in regeneration and increased energy, self esteem and emotional stability. It is also believed to have shield of protection, as well as passion and devotion. The July borns especially people born in this month should wear garnet as this is quite helpful in enhancing positive power to enable one overcome challenges and successfully complete the set task with more energy as compared to the previous weeks. The hue of garnet is deep red and this too has the same significance of passion and strength as the seed of an incantation, and thus garnet is a powerful gem.
E. Garnet's Symbolism and Meaning
Garnet is associated with love, attraction, and charisma, and with the energy for life and the invigoration of the flesh. Its color is deep red, which stands for love, devotion, and vitality; thus, it is a symbol of love and is often purchased as jewelry. To various cultures, garnet has always been quite symbolic. The Ancient Egyptians used it for protection when the clients went into the afterlife while the Greeks and Romans thought of it as a sign of friendship and alliance. During the middle ages in Europe garnet was believed to kept its owner shielded from all forms of harm and promote health. As a gemstone, garnet is appreciated in different regions for its impact to boost confidence, enhance creativity, and even balance one’s emotions, and therefore, has a lot of cultural and symbolic meaning.
4. Comparison Between Citrine and Garnet
Citrine and garnet are two distinct varieties in the realm of stones and gems. Citrine is usually yellow through amber; celebrating happiness and wealth, though it has hardeness of 7 at the Mohs scale. Garnet available in different colours; the most common one has a deep red colour, symbolising passion and energy with the hardness of 6. 5-7. 5. Citrine specifically helps to harness creative energy and clear negative energy, while garnet helps to provide energy and emotional health. Since citrine is a stone related to the month of July, it helps bring happiness into the lives of those born in this month, while garnet as a protective stone strengthens the individual. The decision boils down to which colour is preferred and which specific advantages are required, as they are different and have accompanying benefits
5. Buying Guide for Citrine and Garnet
When buying citrine or garnet, look for vivid, saturated colors—yellow to amber for citrine and deep red for garnet. Ensure clarity with minimal inclusions for better quality. Both stones should be well-cut to enhance their brilliance. Understand the grading scale: citrine's quality is based on color and clarity, while garnet's value depends on color, clarity, and type. Pricing varies with quality, size, and origin. Trusted sources include reputable jewelers and certified gemstone dealers. Look for certifications and ask about the stone's origin and treatments. Buying from well-known retailers or online stores with good reviews ensures authenticity and quality.
8. Conclusion
As July birthstones, citrine and garnet are quite beautiful and have special qualities that make them unique. Citrine being the yellow crystal, gives a message of happiness and wealth whereas garnet with its unmistakable red tinge, reminds the world of passion and vitality. Both stones have slightly different energetic effects and are used for boosting creativity, energy and to help balance emotions. Due to their versatility and beauty, they are highly important collection elements in any jewelry. Discover this list of charismatic and gorgeous gems to select the one, which will reflect your personality and bring you more harmony to your life. Whichever one you decide on, citrine or garnet, you are selecting a gemstone that is here to stay.
