November has two Birthstones: Amber...

Amber is the fossilized resin of ancient trees which forms through a natural polymerization of the original organic compounds. Most of the world's amber is in the range of 30-90 million years old.

The odd inclusions that are often seen in amber usually add to amber's unique look and in many cases greatly increase its value. Million years ago large forests in some parts of the world began to seep globs of sticky resin! This aromatic resin oozed down the sides of trees, as well as filling internal fissures, trapping debris, such as seeds, leaves, feathers and insects. As geologic time progressed the forests were buried and the resin hardened into a soft, warm, golden gem, known as amber. Amber is not a mineral, because it has an organic origin and amorphous structure (no orderly internal arrangement of atoms).

Amber color ranges from white, yellow, orange and even brown in color, and can appear transparent, translucent or opaque. It has a hardness of #2 and can be found in all of the Baltic countries; Venezuela; Russia; Romania; Burma; in coal seams in Wyoming, USA and the Dominican Republic.

Metaphysically, Amber has the power to assist the body in healing itself by absorbing and transmuting negative energy into positive. It emits a sunny and bright soothing energy which helps to calm nerves and to enliven the disposition. It has been used as a symbol for renewal of marriage vows and to assure promises, and was said to bring good luck to warriors.

Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with the chemical formula Al2SiO4(F,OH)2. Topaz crystals are mostly prismatic terminated by pyramidal and other faces. It has a hardness of 8.

Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is the traditional November birthstone, the symbol of friendship, and the state gemstone for the US state of Utah. Topaz is yellow, pink (rare, if natural) or pink-orange, bright yellow to deep golden brown, blue and sometimes even violet, depending on where it is found. Many brown or pale topazes are treated to make them bright yellow, gold, pink or violet colored, but you will never find treated stones at Nature Gallery!

Topaz is known as a "stone of true love and success in all endeavors", (Love is in the Earth by Melody, Page 648). Topaz has also been known as the "crystal of potency", instrumental in visualization for the purpose of healing and the Law of Attraction. It helps one to absorb that which is needed from the universe, prompting receptivity and willingness to act. It helps one to creatively change ones personal world, enhancing awareness and inducing the states of expansiveness and manifestation.