November Birthstone
Topaz & Citrine
The golden birthstones of strength, abundance, and joy
Quick answer: The birthstone for November is Topaz & Citrine.
Topaz and citrine are both recognized birthstones for November. They share warm golden tones and have long been linked to strength and prosperity.
What Is the Birthstone for November?
The November birthstones are topaz and citrine. These two golden gemstones have been paired with November for their warm colors that echo late autumn before winter sets in. They share a similar golden palette, but they are entirely different minerals with distinct properties and histories.
The name "topaz" may come from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire," or from the ancient Greek island of Topazios in the Red Sea. For most of history, all yellow gemstones were called topaz, and the confusion lasted until modern gemology identified topaz as its own aluminum silicate mineral. Topaz now occurs in a wide range of colors, with imperial topaz and blue topaz being the most sought-after varieties.
Citrine takes its name from the French word citron, meaning "lemon," which fits its yellow color. It's a variety of quartz, and natural citrine is rare, most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst. Both stones make good November birthday gifts that combine beauty with affordable pricing.
Topaz & Citrine Meaning & Symbolism
Both November birthstones carry strong symbolism for those born in this month of gratitude and transition.
Strength & Fortitude
Topaz has symbolized physical and mental strength since ancient Greece. Warriors wore it for courage in battle, and people still keep it as a talisman for tough times.
Abundance & Prosperity
Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone," believed to attract wealth and success. Historically, traders kept citrine in their registers to encourage financial growth.
Joy & Positivity
Called the "stone of happiness," citrine is associated with warm, uplifting energy that pushes back against negativity and supports an optimistic outlook.
Clarity & Wisdom
Topaz is believed to sharpen the mind and bring mental clarity, helping the wearer make sound decisions.
Healing & Rejuvenation
Both stones are associated with physical healing, topaz for digestive and metabolic support, citrine for boosting energy and revitalizing the body.
Love & Loyalty
Topaz has long been linked to love and fidelity. In the Middle Ages, it was exchanged between lovers as a pledge of devotion and trust.
Topaz & Citrine Colors & Varieties
November's birthstones span a wide range of warm tones and beyond. Here are the main varieties:
Imperial Topaz
Pinkish-Orange to Red-Orange
The most valuable topaz variety, once reserved for the Russian imperial family. Known for its rich, sunset-like color.
Blue Topaz
Sky Blue to Deep London Blue
The most popular topaz in modern jewelry. Ranges from pale Sky Blue through Swiss Blue to deep London Blue.
Yellow Topaz
Golden Yellow
The classic November birthstone color. Natural golden topaz shows warm, honey-toned color in any light.
Natural Citrine
Pale Yellow to Honey
Rare and sought-after. Natural citrine has a soft yellow that forms when trace iron is present in quartz.
Madeira Citrine
Deep Orange-Brown
Named after the color of Madeira wine, this deep-toned variety is the most valuable form of citrine.
Ametrine
Purple & Yellow Bi-Color
A natural blend of amethyst and citrine in a single crystal, found mainly at Bolivia's Anahi mine.
Topaz vs. Citrine: How Do They Compare?
While both are November birthstones with warm golden hues, topaz and citrine differ in important ways.
| Property | Topaz | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Aluminum silicate fluoride | Quartz (silicon dioxide) |
| Hardness | 8 Mohs | 7 Mohs |
| Color Range | Yellow, blue, pink, orange, colorless, red | Yellow to orange-brown |
| Price Range | $5 – $3,500+/ct (varies by variety) | $5 – $50/ct (most affordable) |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Hexagonal (trigonal) |
| Special Note | Perfect cleavage, handle with care | Most is heat-treated amethyst |
Why Are Topaz & Citrine the November Birthstones?
The pairing of topaz and citrine with November has deep historical roots. Golden and amber-toned gemstones were tied to autumn's harvest season for centuries. Topaz appeared on early birthstone lists dating back to the Breastplate of Aaron and was long considered the only November stone. Its warm golden color was thought to mirror the fading autumn sun and provide warmth through the colder months.
When the American National Association of Jewelers standardized the modern birthstone list in 1912, topaz was confirmed as November's birthstone. Citrine was later added as an official alternative, partly because all yellow gemstones had historically been grouped under the name "topaz." Adding citrine also gave shoppers a cheaper option in the same golden color range.
Together, topaz and citrine connect to November's zodiac signs: Scorpio values topaz's link to emotional strength and transformation, while Sagittarius matches up with citrine's optimistic, adventurous energy. Both stones fit the gratitude and abundance themes of the season.
The History of Topaz & Citrine
Topaz has a long history going back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians believed the golden stone drew its color from Ra, the sun god, and wore it as an amulet of divine power. The Greeks associated topaz with strength and believed it could make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Roman scholars credited topaz with improving eyesight and calming anger.
During the Middle Ages, topaz was treated as a healing stone across Europe. It was prescribed to cure plague, asthma, and insomnia, and European royalty built up large collections. The Braganza Diamond, a 1,680-carat gemstone set into the Portuguese Crown Jewels, was long believed to be one of the world's largest diamonds before modern analysis revealed it was actually a huge colorless topaz.
Citrine's historical trail is shorter, largely because it was confused with topaz for most of recorded history. The Romans cut citrine into intaglio rings and seals. The gem had a comeback during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s, when Hollywood stars wore citrine jewelry alongside amethyst and aquamarine in bold, geometric designs.
In Victorian-era Scotland, citrine from the Cairngorm Mountains became known as "Cairngorm quartz" and was favored by Queen Victoria herself. Her love of Scottish jewelry helped popularize citrine across the British Empire.
Topaz & Citrine Properties
⚗️Physical Properties
- Mineral (Topaz)
- Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide
- Mineral (Citrine)
- Quartz (SiO₂)
- Hardness
- Topaz: 8 / Citrine: 7 on Mohs scale
- Crystal System
- Topaz: Orthorhombic / Citrine: Hexagonal
- Refractive Index
- Topaz: 1.609-1.643 / Citrine: 1.544-1.553
- Color Range
- Topaz: yellow, blue, pink, orange, colorless / Citrine: yellow to orange-brown
🌍Where Topaz & Citrine Are Found
Both stones are mined across the globe, with each region producing gems of distinct character:
How to Care for Topaz & Citrine Jewelry
Both November birthstones are durable enough for regular wear, but a little attention keeps them sparkling for years:
Topaz: Clean with warm, soapy water and soft brush
Citrine: Clean with warm, soapy water and soft brush
Topaz: Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution due to topaz's perfect cleavage
Citrine: Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for citrine
Topaz: Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight which can fade some colors
Both: Avoid sudden temperature changes
Topaz: Handle with care to prevent impacts that could cause cleavage
Both: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones
How to Choose November Birthstone Jewelry
When shopping for November birthstone jewelry, you can pick between topaz and citrine, or combine both for a warm-toned look. Each stone works better in different styles.
- 1. Choose your stone: Topaz for hardness and brilliance in rings; citrine for affordable, large statement pieces like pendants and cocktail rings.
- 2. Color first: Deep, saturated tones command the best value. Avoid stones with overly brown or washed-out color.
- 3. Metal pairing: Golden topaz and citrine look great in yellow gold. Blue topaz works well with white gold or platinum.
- 4. Setting matters: Bezel or protective prong settings are ideal for topaz rings to guard against cleavage. Citrine is more forgiving in any setting style.
Fascinating Facts About Topaz & Citrine
The largest cut topaz in the world is the "American Golden Topaz," weighing an astonishing 22,892 carats (10.1 pounds). It took two years to cut and is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Natural citrine is so rare that it's estimated that less than 1% of all citrine on the market today is natural. The vast majority is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which develops the characteristic yellow to orange color when heated to around 900°F (482°C).
Despite its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), topaz has perfect cleavage, meaning it can split cleanly along certain planes if struck at the right angle. This property makes cutting and setting topaz challenging for jewelers and requires special care during wear.
Citrine has long been known as the "merchant's stone" or "success stone" because it is believed to bring prosperity and success. Historically, merchants would keep citrine in their cash registers or money pouches to attract wealth and prevent loss.
November Birthstone by Date
No matter which day in November you were born, topaz and citrine are your birthstones. Here is how each part of the month connects to their energy:
November 1–10
Scorpio
Early November births connect to topaz's themes of strength and emotional depth during peak autumn.
November 11–21
Scorpio
Mid-November ties to citrine's themes of gratitude, abundance, and perseverance through the harvest season.
November 22–30
Sagittarius
Late November pairs citrine's optimism with topaz's adventurous side as Sagittarius season begins.
View All November Dates
November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum & Peony
November's birth flowers, the chrysanthemum and peony, share topaz and citrine's themes of joy and abundance. The golden chrysanthemum and yellow citrine both reflect autumn's color palette and the gratitude theme of the season.
Explore November's Birth Flowers
