What Is the November Birthstone? Topaz and Citrine Explained
The November birthstones are topaz and citrine. Topaz is the traditional November birthstone and comes in many colours, from golden honey and Imperial orange to pink and the blue tones most people know. Citrine is the modern alternative: a sunny yellow to deep orange variety of quartz.
Both stones belong to every November birthday, from the 1st to the 30th, so you can simply choose the one you prefer. As a rule of thumb, choose topaz for hardness, sparkle and the widest range of colours, and citrine for warm golden shades and generous sizes at a gentle price.
Topaz: the traditional November birthstone. Hardness 8. Golden, orange, pink, colourless and treated blues.
Citrine: the modern November birthstone. Hardness 7. Pale lemon to golden yellow and deep reddish-orange.
Shared colour: warm golden yellow to orange, which is why November is often linked with amber and gold.
November is the only month whose two birthstones were once thought to be the same gem: for centuries, almost any golden stone was simply called topaz.
In our Plymouth workshop, the topaz we stock is mainly blue topaz set in 9ct yellow and white gold, which makes it easy to find a birthday piece ready to wear. Below, we explain how the two birthstones differ, how to choose a good stone, and when a bespoke piece is the better route.
Small London Blue topaz studs in warm yellow gold: an easy November birthday gift with no sizing needed.
The brighter Swiss Blue shade in crisp white gold, so you can compare the two most popular blue topaz tones.
Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?
November has two birthstones because of history and supply. For centuries, almost any yellow or golden gem was called topaz, so citrine was sold as topaz long before the two could be told apart. When the American jewellery trade published its standard birthstone list in 1912, topaz was named for November. Citrine was added as an official alternative in 1952, partly because good golden topaz was scarce while citrine was plentiful and affordable.
Today, most lists give both stones for November. Having two simply gives you more choice of colour, budget and style.
Which is the true November birthstone, topaz or citrine?
Both are correct, but topaz is the traditional November birthstone and citrine is the modern addition. If you want the stone with the longest history, choose topaz, particularly golden or Imperial topaz. If you love warm yellow tones and want a larger stone for your budget, citrine is just as authentic a November choice.
Does every November date have the same birthstone?
Yes. Birthstones are assigned by month, so whether your birthday is on 2 November or 29 November, your birthstones are topaz and citrine. Zodiac stones are a separate tradition: November straddles Scorpio and Sagittarius, and astrology lists vary from source to source.
What Is Topaz, and How Strong Is It?
Topaz is a hard, brilliant gemstone made of aluminium, silicon and fluorine. At 8 on the Mohs scale, it is harder than quartz, garnet and aquamarine, so it resists scratches well and takes a slick, high polish. Its weakness is cleavage: a sharp knock in the wrong direction can chip or crack it, so the setting matters more than its hardness suggests.
Mineral: topaz, a silicate of aluminium and fluorine.
Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale, but with perfect cleavage and only fair toughness.
Colours: colourless, golden yellow, orange, brown, pink, violet and, very rarely, red. Most blue topaz is treated.
Sparkle: a higher refractive index than citrine or aquamarine, so it looks lively and bright.
Sources: Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, the USA and Russia.
What colour is the November birthstone?
The classic November birthstone colour is golden yellow to warm orange, shared by golden topaz and citrine. Topaz also comes in pink, colourless and blue, so if you prefer cooler colours, blue topaz still lets you wear a November birthstone.
Is blue topaz a November birthstone?
Yes, because blue topaz is still topaz, and topaz in all its colours is the traditional November stone. You will also see blue topaz listed for December. Almost all blue topaz begins as colourless topaz and is treated with irradiation and heat to create a permanent blue. This is standard across the trade, it is stable, and it does not fade with normal wear.
What is the difference between London Blue, Swiss Blue and Sky Blue topaz?
They are trade names for different depths of blue, all created by the same kind of treatment.
London Blue: the deepest shade, an inky, slightly grey-teal blue. Elegant and understated, and lovely against yellow gold.
Swiss Blue: a bright, vivid mid-blue that looks crisp and modern, especially in white gold.
Sky Blue: the palest, softest blue, and the closest in look to aquamarine.
What is the rarest colour of topaz?
Natural red and the pinkish-orange Imperial topaz are the rarest and most valuable topaz colours. Fine natural pink topaz, mined in north-western Pakistan, is also scarce. Be wary of very cheap stones labelled “Imperial”: genuine Imperial topaz is a small fraction of gem topaz, and treated stones should not carry the name.
Is topaz worth more than aquamarine?
Usually not. Fine aquamarine generally costs more per carat than blue topaz, which is why blue topaz is a popular way to enjoy a blue gem at a lower price. The two are different minerals, though: our guide to the March birthstone, aquamarine explains how to tell them apart. Rare Imperial and natural pink topaz are another matter, and can command high prices.
Is Topaz Found in Devon or Cornwall?
Yes, but not as jewellery stones. Topaz forms in granite, and the granites of South West England contain it. St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall and the granite of Lundy, off the North Devon coast, are classic British localities for topaz crystals. They are small mineral specimens prized by collectors rather than gem material, so there is no Devon or Cornish topaz in the jewellery trade.
Where does gem-quality topaz come from?
Most gem topaz comes from abroad. Minas Gerais in Brazil has produced fine golden, orange and Imperial topaz for more than two centuries, and Ouro Preto is famous for Imperial topaz. Pakistan is known for pink topaz, while Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Mexico supply much of the colourless topaz that is treated to become blue. That is why our topaz is chosen for colour and cut quality rather than local origin.
How Do I Choose a Quality Topaz?
Judge topaz mainly on colour, clarity, cut and setting. Size matters less than with many gems, because topaz forms in large crystals and bigger stones are not dramatically rarer.
Colour: look for an even, saturated tone. In golden topaz, warmer and deeper shades are valued most. In blue topaz, choose the shade you love, since London, Swiss and Sky Blue are all treated.
Clarity: good jewellery topaz should look clean to the eye, with no visible inclusions.
Cut: a well-cut stone sparkles across its whole face, without a dull, see-through “window” in the middle. Ovals and pears are common because they suit the crystal shape.
Setting: because topaz can chip, check that the claws are secure. For a ring that will be worn every day, consider a protective rubover setting.
Metal: choose the metal tone that suits the wearer’s skin and the jewellery they already wear.
A neat London Blue oval in yellow gold: a pendant is one of the safest ways to wear topaz every day.
Swiss Blue topaz with pearl in white gold, for someone who loves a little movement and a lighter look.
Does topaz look better in yellow gold or white gold?
It depends on the colour of the stone. London Blue topaz looks rich and vintage against warm yellow gold. Swiss Blue looks bright and fresh in white gold. Golden and Imperial topaz glow in yellow or rose gold, while colourless topaz suits white gold and a sleeker style. If you are unsure, come in and see the stones next to different metals.
Is topaz durable enough for an everyday ring?
Yes, with sensible care. Topaz resists scratches well, but its cleavage means a hard knock can chip it. Earrings and pendants are the easiest way to wear it every day. For a ring, choose a well-made setting and take it off for gardening, the gym and DIY.
A classic single Swiss Blue oval in white gold: a bright, versatile birthstone ring.
Three London Blue stones in yellow gold: a little more presence for a milestone November birthday.
What Is Citrine, and How Strong Is It?
Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz, coloured by traces of iron. Its name is thought to come from the French citron, meaning lemon. At 7 on the Mohs scale, with good toughness, citrine is durable enough for everyday jewellery, and it is one of the most affordable golden gemstones you can buy.
Mineral: quartz, the same species as amethyst.
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, with good toughness and no tendency to cleave.
Colours: pale lemon, golden yellow, honey and deep reddish-orange, often called “Madeira” citrine.
Origin of most citrine: heat-treated amethyst, mainly from Brazil. Natural, unheated citrine is rare.
Sources: Brazil, Bolivia, Madagascar, Spain, Uruguay and Mexico. Bolivia’s Anahí mine also produces ametrine, where amethyst and citrine share one crystal.
What is the difference between citrine and yellow topaz?
They look alike, but they are different minerals. Yellow topaz is harder (8 against 7), heavier for its size and a little more brilliant. Citrine is quartz, is far easier to find, and is usually much less expensive, especially in larger sizes. A jeweller can separate them with simple tests, such as refractive index and specific gravity, so if you have an old “topaz” in the family, it may well be citrine.
Is citrine rare?
Natural citrine is rare, but citrine jewellery is not. Most citrine on the market is amethyst that has been heated to turn it golden, a long-established and accepted practice. The result is that good citrine stays affordable, even in large sizes.
Topaz or Citrine: Which November Birthstone Should I Choose?
Choose topaz if you want maximum sparkle, the hardest stone and the widest choice of colours, including blue. Choose citrine if you love warm golden tones, want a larger stone for your budget, or want a tougher stone that is less prone to chipping.
For blue, or a gift in our ready-made range: topaz.
For golden yellow on a budget: citrine.
For the rarest and most traditional choice: golden or Imperial topaz.
For a statement cocktail ring or large pendant: citrine.
For a ring worn every day: either, in a protective setting. Citrine is less prone to chipping, and topaz is more scratch resistant.
Which is more expensive, topaz or citrine?
For everyday stones, blue topaz and citrine are both affordable, and the price of a finished piece depends more on size, cut, metal and setting than on the stone. At the top end, topaz wins: fine Imperial and natural pink topaz cost far more per carat than even the best Madeira citrine.
Can You Make Bespoke Citrine Jewellery in Plymouth?
Yes. We keep only a small amount of citrine in stock, so most of our citrine jewellery is designed and made to order. At a jewellery consultation in our workshop in Cattedown, Plymouth, we talk through the piece you have in mind, source citrine to suit it, and help you compare shades side by side before anything is made.
Citrine rings, from a single solitaire to a bold cocktail ring.
Citrine earrings, from simple studs to drops.
Citrine pendants, sized and shaped to suit the wearer.
A choice of lemon, golden or deep Madeira citrine, and of yellow, white or rose gold.
Golden or pink topaz, sourced for you if you would prefer the traditional November stone.
Bespoke pieces are designed with you and made in our Plymouth workshop. Some specialist stages, such as certain stone setting or hallmarking, may be carried out by trusted specialists.
Prefer something ready to wear? We currently have one citrine piece in our collection.
Our ready-made citrine option: a golden pear-shaped citrine with a pearl, in 9ct yellow gold.
What happens at a jewellery consultation?
A consultation is a relaxed, one-to-one appointment where we turn your ideas into a design you are happy with.
Book a Jewellery Consultation online and tell us a little about what you have in mind.
Visit our workshop in Cattedown, Plymouth, by appointment.
See stones and metals in person and talk through styles, sizes and budget.
We source suitable stones and share the design and price with you.
Once you approve it, we make your piece and let you know when it is ready to collect.
Book a jewellery consultation at our Plymouth workshop to design a bespoke citrine or topaz piece and see stones in person.
Can I use my old gold towards a November birthstone piece?
Yes. Unwanted gold can be offset against a new piece, and where it is suitable we can sometimes reuse your own gold in a bespoke design. Our guide to selling gold in Plymouth explains how gold is valued and what to bring.
How Do I Care for Topaz and Citrine Jewellery?
Clean both stones in warm, soapy water with a soft brush, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. The main differences are heat and impact.
Topaz: do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause internal cracks.
Topaz: avoid knocks. Take rings off for heavy work, sport and gardening.
Mystic or coated topaz: use only mild soapy water, as abrasive cleaners can remove the coating.
Citrine: avoid steam cleaning and high heat. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually fine for the stone, but ask us first if the setting is delicate.
Both: store pieces separately so harder gems such as diamond and sapphire cannot scratch them, and have claws checked once a year.
For a deeper clean, we can professionally clean and polish your jewellery in our workshop. We also check the claws and settings, which matters more for topaz than for most stones.
Our workshop clean and polish service: a safe way to restore the sparkle of a topaz or citrine ring.
Frequently Asked Questions About the November Birthstone
What is the November birthstone?
November has two birthstones: topaz, the traditional stone, and citrine, the modern alternative. Both are associated with warm golden colours, and topaz also comes in pink, colourless and blue.
Am I topaz or citrine?
If you were born in November, you can choose either. There is no date rule within the month. Most people pick by colour: topaz for blues, pinks and the most sparkle; citrine for golden yellow to orange at an easy price.
What is the rarest November birthstone?
Imperial topaz, a pinkish-orange to red topaz, is the rarest and most valuable November birthstone. Natural, unheated citrine is also uncommon, but most citrine sold today is heat-treated and widely available.
Is topaz rare?
Colourless and treated blue topaz are plentiful, which keeps them affordable. Fine golden, pink, red and Imperial topaz are much rarer and cost considerably more.
How can you tell the difference between citrine and yellow topaz?
Not reliably by eye. Topaz is harder, denser and slightly more brilliant than citrine, and a jeweller can separate them with tests such as refractive index and specific gravity. Bring a stone to us and we can take a look.
How can you tell if topaz is real?
Glass and synthetic imitations can look very convincing, so a professional test is the only reliable answer. Look for sharp facet edges and good sparkle, and buy from a jeweller who will describe the stone and any treatment honestly.
Who cannot wear citrine or blue topaz?
Anyone can wear either stone. Rules about who should not wear them come from astrology and folklore, not gemmology. The practical considerations are your lifestyle, which affects the setting you need, and any metal sensitivity, which affects the metal you choose.
Which zodiac signs are linked to topaz and citrine?
November spans Scorpio and Sagittarius, and both topaz and citrine are often linked with these signs. Zodiac stone lists are not standardised, though, so many people simply choose their birth-month stone instead.
What does topaz symbolise?
Traditionally, topaz has been associated with strength, warmth and calm, and its name is often linked to a Sanskrit word for fire. These are historical and cultural associations rather than proven properties.
What does citrine symbolise?
Citrine is traditionally associated with sunshine, joy and prosperity, and is sometimes called the “merchant’s stone”. Like all birthstone meanings, these are symbolic traditions.
Which wedding anniversaries are topaz and citrine for?
Blue topaz is the gem for the 4th wedding anniversary, citrine for the 13th, and Imperial topaz for the 23rd.
Can I see topaz and citrine before I buy?
Yes. Book an appointment to visit our workshop in Cattedown, Plymouth, where you can compare stones and metals in person and talk through ready-made or bespoke options.
Ready to choose a November birthstone? Browse our topaz jewellery collection, or get in touch to ask about bespoke citrine and golden topaz.
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