November Birthstone
Quick answer
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Imperial topaz is the prized warm orange variety at 8 Mohs hardness. Citrine is a yellow-to-orange quartz at 7 Mohs and is the most affordable warm-coloured gemstone in large sizes. Both work in rings, earrings and pendants and read as sunny, autumnal gifts.
November stones at a glance
| Stone | Colour | Hardness | List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz | Blue, orange (imperial), pink, yellow, colourless | 8 Mohs | Modern |
| Citrine | Pale yellow to deep amber orange | 7 Mohs | Modern |
Modern vs traditional
Topaz is the older traditional November birthstone. Citrine was added in the 20th century and is now widely recognised alongside topaz. Both are accepted today.
Colour and meaning
Imperial topaz is a rich orange to pink-orange variety mined primarily in Ouro Preto, Brazil, and is the most prized topaz colour. Blue topaz, the most common variety in retail jewellery, is almost always produced by irradiating colourless topaz. Citrine is a quartz coloured yellow to orange by trace iron. Natural citrine is rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst. November stones traditionally stand for warmth, generosity, abundance and steady prosperity.
Durability and best uses
Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale and durable enough for daily wear, but it has perfect cleavage in one direction, so a sharp knock at the wrong angle can split it. A protected setting helps. Citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale, fine for everyday wear and big stones, with the same precautions any quartz needs around prolonged sunlight.
History and lore
Topaz has been used in jewellery for thousands of years and was once believed to heal both body and mind. Imperial topaz takes its name from the Russian tsars, who claimed exclusive rights to the pink topaz found in the Ural Mountains. Citrine takes its name from the French citron, lemon. It was popular in ancient Greek and Roman jewellery and surged again during the Art Deco period.
Gift ideas
Imperial topaz makes a striking cocktail ring or pendant, particularly in yellow gold. Blue topaz is the cheapest path to a large vivid blue stone and works well in everyday earrings or pendants. A large eye-clean citrine in yellow gold reads warm, autumnal and Art Deco at modest cost. Citrine and diamond pendants are an easy crowd-pleaser as a November gift.
Care
Topaz and citrine are both safe in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Most are also safe for ultrasonic cleaning, but treat heavily included topaz more carefully because of the cleavage plane. Keep citrine out of long direct sunlight and high heat to protect the colour. Store both separately from harder stones.
Zodiac and anniversary
Zodiac: Scorpio (until 21 November) and Sagittarius (from 22 November).
Anniversary: Topaz is the traditional gift for the 4th wedding anniversary, and citrine is the 13th.
Designing a custom piece
Start a custom design
Birthstone rings and pendants are usually made to order. Tell us the stone, the wearer and the piece you have in mind, and we will help you compare options before we draw anything up.
Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the birthstone for November?
- November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is the older traditional stone, and citrine was added in the 20th century. Both are recognised today, and both come in warm, sunny colours.
- Is most blue topaz natural?
- No. Most blue topaz on the market is produced by irradiating colourless topaz, then heating it to stabilise the colour. The treatment is permanent and accepted in the trade, and the resulting blue topaz is real topaz.
- Is most citrine actually heated amethyst?
- Yes. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst from Brazil. Natural citrine is rare. Both are real citrine and chemically the same, just produced by different paths.
- Can topaz be used in an engagement ring?
- Yes, with care. At 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is hard enough, but it has perfect cleavage and can split under a sharp knock at the wrong angle. A bezel or protected setting reduces the risk.
Still deciding
Talk through the november birthstone with us
Send the wearer, the piece you have in mind and a sense of budget, and we will help you compare stones and settings before we draw anything up.
Contact the studio