November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine
Two warm stones for the month the light goes: golden topaz, and citrine, the colour of late afternoon sun.
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. In the UK, the National Association of Goldsmiths has listed topaz since 1937. Citrine joined it on the American list in 1952, and today both are widely recognised as November's stones.
They make a fitting pair for the month. Traditional November topaz is golden, citrine runs from lemon to amber, and both carry a kind of warmth worth keeping close as the evenings draw in.
Topaz: November's Traditional Stone
Topaz is one of the hardest natural gemstones, at 8 on the Mohs scale. In its pure form it is colourless; traces of other elements give it everything else, from sherry gold and pink to pale blue. The golden and orange shades, sometimes called imperial or precious topaz, are the ones traditionally tied to November.
Most blue topaz sold today began as colourless topaz, with its colour brought out by treatment. It is a long-established, permanent process, and it is what made blue topaz one of the most popular gemstones in jewellery.
Its name is often traced to Topazios, a small island in the Red Sea, though the stone mined there was probably peridot. Others link it to the Sanskrit tapas, meaning fire. The ancient Greeks believed topaz gave strength, and in medieval Europe it was said to calm anger.
Topaz is associated with clarity, strength and calm, and blue topaz in particular with clear communication and a settled mind.
Citrine: November's Modern Stone
Citrine is a quartz, coloured yellow to amber by traces of iron. Its name comes from the French citron, lemon. Natural citrine is rare, and much of what you'll find is amethyst that has been heat-treated, which turns its purple to gold. Both are genuine quartz.
It was added to November in 1952, sharing topaz's warm colouring and easier to find at a gentle price. At 7 on the Mohs scale, it is hard-wearing enough for everyday jewellery.
Citrine has long been called the merchant's stone, associated with abundance, confidence and optimism. Its warmth makes it one of the most cheerful stones to give.
Topaz or Citrine: How to Choose
There's no wrong answer, but the two stones suit different people.
- For everyday wear, both are hard-wearing. Topaz is the harder of the two, but a sharp knock can split it along its grain, so topaz rings ask for a little care.
- For colour, topaz for blue or golden, citrine for lemon yellow to deep amber.
- For meaning, topaz leans towards clarity and calm; citrine towards confidence and abundance.
- For the UK tradition, topaz is the stone on the British list.
November Birthstone Jewellery at Symbolia
We carry both of November's stones in sterling silver. For topaz, our Lyra Blue Topaz Teardrop Earrings and Astral Blue Topaz Round Necklace are small, everyday pieces, the Blue Topaz Moon & Sun Necklace pairs the stone with two old symbols, and the Celeste Blue Topaz Drop Earrings are made for an occasion. You'll find them all in our blue topaz collection.
For citrine, there are the Lyra Citrine Teardrop Earrings and the Astral Citrine Round Necklace, or a polished citrine tumble stone to keep in a pocket. The full range is in our citrine collection.
Our topaz is blue rather than golden, so if it's the traditional golden shade you're after, citrine is the closest match in colour.
Every piece comes with a meaning card explaining the stone inside. Our guides to citrine, blue topaz and mystic topaz go further into each stone.
Not sure which is your stone?
Let Find Your Stone choose by meaning, or look up your whole chart with Your Birth Chart.
Caring for Topaz and Citrine
Topaz: Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners and sudden heat, and protect it from hard knocks, which can split it along its grain.
Citrine: Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Keep it out of long spells of strong sunlight, which can slowly fade some citrine.
November Birthstones, Answered
What is the birthstone for November?
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is the traditional stone; citrine was added in 1952 as a warm-coloured alternative.
What is November's birthstone in the UK?
Topaz. The UK list, set by the National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937, gives November to topaz, though citrine is widely accepted here too.
What colour is the November birthstone?
Traditionally golden yellow to orange. Topaz also comes in blue, now the most popular shade in jewellery, and citrine ranges from pale lemon to deep amber.
Is blue topaz a November birthstone?
Yes. Topaz of any colour counts as November's stone, though golden topaz is the shade traditionally linked to the month.
What does the November birthstone mean?
Topaz is associated with clarity, strength and calm. Citrine is associated with confidence, abundance and optimism.
What is the November birth flower?
The chrysanthemum. It has long been associated with joy, friendship and long life, and in parts of Europe with remembrance.
Looking for another month? Our Birthstone Guide covers all twelve.