November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine, Explained

The November birthstone is actually two stones: topaz and citrine. Both are usually golden, from pale lemon to deep orange, so November is the warmest-coloured month on the list. They look alike, but they're completely different minerals. One of them also has a secret worth knowing before you buy.

Why November has two birthstones

Birthstone lists have shifted over the centuries. In 1912, American jewellers agreed on a standard list so everyone sold the same stone for the same month. November got golden topaz.

That list has been updated a few times since. Citrine was later added as a second November stone. Today the modern list gives November both. You can see how the other months compare in our guide to every month's birthstone.

Topaz: the golden November birthstone

Topaz is a hard silicate mineral made with aluminium and fluorine. It sits at 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, harder than quartz. That makes it one of the tougher stones on the birthstone list.

There's a catch, though. Topaz has what gem people call perfect cleavage. One sharp knock in the wrong direction can split a crystal cleanly in two. Hard isn't the same as unbreakable.

Pure topaz is colourless. Traces of other elements and tiny flaws in the crystal give it colour. The most prized is imperial topaz, a warm golden orange that can lean pink. Nobody is sure where the name topaz comes from. One idea is an old Greek name for an island in the Red Sea. Another is a Sanskrit word for fire. GIA's topaz guide goes deeper if you're curious.

What topaz is traditionally linked with

Golden topaz has long been tied to the sun. The story goes that ancient Greeks carried it for strength. Today people use it as a stone for warmth, generosity and a sunny outlook.

Citrine: the second November birthstone

Citrine is quartz, the same mineral as amethyst and clear quartz. Its yellow to orange colour comes from traces of iron. Like all quartz, it sits at 7 on the Mohs scale. The name comes from the French word for lemon, citron.

What citrine is traditionally linked with

Citrine is the sunshine stone. It's traditionally linked with optimism, confidence and abundance. An old nickname for it is "the merchant's stone". The story goes that a piece by the till brings luck. It's often linked with the solar plexus chakra.

Topaz or citrine: how to choose

If you're stuck between the two, here's the simple version. Topaz is the harder gem, and it has a bit more sparkle when it's cut. Citrine is easier to find in big pieces, like points, clusters and tumbled stones you can hold.

So for a ring or pendant that gets worn a lot, people often lean toward topaz. For a desk stone or a piece for the shelf, citrine is the usual pick. Or pick the one you keep looking at. That's honestly how most people do it.

Is my citrine real? The heat-treated truth

Here's the honest part. Natural citrine is rare, and it's usually pale: soft lemon or a smoky yellow. Most citrine sold today started life as amethyst. Heat turns purple amethyst into deep orange quartz.

It's still real quartz, and the colour is stable. But it isn't natural citrine, and you deserve to know which one you're buying. A few clues:

• Deep orange tips with a white base. Clusters, geodes and cathedrals that look like this are almost always heated amethyst.
• Burnt-orange colour. Natural citrine is rarely that dark or that orange.
• Even, pale yellow. That's more typical of natural citrine.

Our citrine shelf has both kinds. Pieces labelled "(Enhanced)", like this citrine geode, had their colour helped along. At The Rock Space, treated, dyed and man-made stones are labelled as such.

Topaz has its own version of this. Much blue topaz starts out colourless and is irradiated, then heated, to turn it blue. Most of the topaz on our shelf is golden imperial topaz, not blue topaz.

November zodiac signs and their stones

November is split between two signs:

• Scorpio runs until about November 21. Topaz is traditionally listed as a Scorpio stone. Our guide to Scorpio crystals has the full list.
• Sagittarius starts around November 22. Citrine and golden topaz are often listed for the sign. Browse more in the Sagittarius collection.

Not sure where your birthday lands? Our free natal chart works out your sun, moon and rising signs from your birth time and place.

Caring for topaz and citrine

• Mind the knocks. Topaz is hard but can split along its cleavage. Don't wear a topaz ring for heavy work.
• Keep citrine out of strong sun. Long hours on a sunny windowsill can fade some citrine over time.
• Rinse and wipe. Lukewarm water and a soft cloth are fine for both.
• Skip harsh cleaners. No bleach, and no ultrasonic cleaner for strung or glued jewellery.

November birthstone gift ideas

A birthstone is an easy gift because the hard part, choosing, is already done. A few ideas from the shelf right now:

• A pendant. The imperial topaz silver pendant sets a golden imperial topaz crystal in sterling silver.
• A fine necklace. The citrine bead necklace is labelled "(Enhanced)", so you know its colour had help.
• Something to collect. Raw imperial topaz crystals in the topaz collection, each one a little different.

Shopping for a nearby birthday too? See the October birthstone just before November, or the December birthstone just after.

Know someone with a November birthday? Make them a free November birthstone card and send it by text or email.

Frequently asked questions

Does November have two birthstone colours?

Mostly one colour family: warm gold, yellow and orange. Topaz comes in many colours, including blue, but golden topaz and citrine are the classic November shades.

What is the meaning of citrine stone?

Citrine is traditionally linked with sunshine, optimism and abundance. Its old nickname is the merchant's stone. People use it as a cheerful reminder to stay hopeful.

What is the rarest birthstone?

Alexandrite, a June stone, is usually named the rarest. Fine rubies and emeralds are also scarce. Value always depends on size, colour and clarity.

What is the true birthstone for Scorpio?

Zodiac stones aren't official the way birth months are. Topaz is the stone most often listed for Scorpio. Plenty of darker stones get linked with the sign too.

Is citrine natural or heat-treated?

Both exist. Natural citrine is rare and usually pale. Most deep orange citrine, especially in clusters and geodes, is amethyst that has been heated.

Come say hi

Natural and heated citrine look different side by side, and it's easier to see in person. Visit us at 396 Victoria Street North in Kitchener and hold a few before you choose. Or browse the citrine collection online.