November Birthstones: Citrine & Topaz Explained

Colours, meanings, and how to choose between them)

November is one of the few months with two official birthstones — and they couldn’t be more different in character.

Citrine brings warmth, golden tones and a sunny personality, while Topaz offers everything from crisp sky blues to deep inky London Blue hues.

If you’re choosing a November birthstone for yourself or as a gift, here’s how Citrine and Topaz compare — from colour and durability to symbolism and everyday wear.

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What are November’s birthstones?

November has two recognised birthstones:

• Citrine

• Topaz

Both were historically confused due to their yellow colouring, but modern gemology clearly distinguishes them as entirely different gemstones.

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Citrine: The Golden November Birthstone

What is Citrine?

Citrine is a variety of quartz, composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO₂). Its warm yellow to amber tones come from traces of iron within the crystal.

Citrine Colour

Citrine ranges from pale lemon to deep honey and fiery orange-gold. Its warmth makes it especially beautiful when set in yellow or rose gold, where the tones enhance one another.

Where is Citrine found?

Most Citrine today comes from Brazil, with additional sources including:

• Bolivia

• Madagascar

• Spain

• USA

Some stones from Bolivia form ametrine, a natural blend of amethyst and citrine in one crystal.

Is Citrine rare?

Natural Citrine is relatively rare. Many stones on the market are produced by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz, which is accepted within the jewellery industry.

Citrine durability

• Mohs hardness: 7

• Suitable for everyday jewellery such as rings, pendants and bracelets

Meaning & symbolism

Traditionally associated with:

• Positivity and optimism

• Prosperity and success

• Confidence and emotional warmth

It was often called the “merchant’s stone” and worn to attract abundance.

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Topaz: November’s Versatile Birthstone

What is Topaz?

Topaz is a naturally colourless gemstone that can appear in a wide range of colours through natural formation or enhancement.

For centuries, many yellow gemstones were mistakenly labelled as Topaz before modern identification techniques.

Topaz colours

Topaz appears in:

• Sky Blue

• Swiss Blue

• London Blue

• White (colourless)

• Yellow

• Pink

• Imperial (golden-red)

• Mystic Topaz (treated, iridescent finish)

Blue Topaz is by far the most popular in modern jewellery.

Where is Topaz found?

Topaz is mined in:

• Brazil

• Pakistan

• Russia

• Namibia

• Mexico

• United States (not commercially)

Topaz is the official gemstone of Texas and Utah.

Topaz durability

• Mohs hardness: 8

• Excellent for everyday wear

• Should not be cleaned ultrasonically due to natural cleavage

Meaning & symbolism

Historically associated with:

• Strength and resilience

• Protection

• Longevity

• Emotional balance

In India, Topaz was believed to prolong life when worn close to the heart.

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Citrine vs Topaz: Which should you choose?

Choose Citrine if you love warmth and golden tones.
Choose Topaz if you prefer cool blues or a wider colour choice.

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Caring for November Birthstones

How to clean Citrine

• Warm soapy water

• Soft brush

• Avoid prolonged heat exposure

How to clean Topaz

• Warm soapy water only

• Never ultrasonic clean

• Avoid abrasives, especially on Mystic Topaz

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November Birthstone Jewellery

Both Citrine and Topaz make beautiful:

• Rings

• Pendants

• Earrings

• Anniversary or birthday gifts

Their durability makes them ideal for jewellery worn regularly, provided basic care is taken.

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Frequently Asked Questions About November Birthstones

What is the true birthstone for November?

November has two official birthstones: Citrine and Topaz.

Is Citrine or Topaz more expensive?

Topaz generally costs more than Citrine, particularly in larger sizes or rare colours like Imperial Topaz.

Is Blue Topaz natural?

Most blue topaz is created by treating colourless natural topaz, a common and accepted practice.

Can Citrine be worn every day?

Yes. Citrine scores 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday jewellery.

Which November birthstone is best for rings?

Both are suitable, but Topaz is slightly harder. Care should be taken to avoid knocks due to its natural cleavage.

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In Summary

November’s birthstones offer something for every taste — from the glowing warmth of Citrine to the cool elegance of Blue Topaz.

Whichever you choose, both stones carry rich history, symbolism and beauty that make them perfect for meaningful jewellery.