November Birthstones: The Warm Beauty of Citrine and Topaz
Citrine Gemstones
Credit: Image by GIA Institute
November is one of the few months, along with June, August, October, and December, to have multiple modern birthstones. Topaz was the initial birthstone for the month of November, but citrine was later added in 1952 by the American Gem Society because of the similarity of the two gemstones that were often confused for one another throughout history. Both of these gemstones possess unique qualities and symbolism that grants November a special blend of prosperity and strength.
Citrine: The Sunshine Stone of November
Citrine Gemstones
Credit: Photo by American Gem Society
Citrine radiates sunshine-like energy, bringing warmth and joy into the lives of those who wear it. This gemstone, known as the "money stone" and "success stone," symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Its golden yellow-to-orange hues reflect its vibrant energy, and the name “citrine” comes from the French word for lemon, citron.
With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, citrine is a durable gemstone, making it perfect for everyday wear. It’s mined in regions like Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and Uruguay.
Citrine has been revered since ancient times—especially in ancient Greece, where it was believed to ward off evil and protect against venomous reptiles. It is also said to absorb negative energy, leaving its wearer feeling uplifted and positive. Citrine is believed to stimulate creativity, enhance clarity of thought, promote generosity, and encourage a happy outlook. Many use it to help overcome fears and emotional blockages, making it a popular stone for emotional healing.
To maintain its brilliance, citrine can be easily cleaned with water and mild dishwashing soap. A final rinse with alcohol ensures its sparkle remains vibrant. With its history, meaning, and powerful energies, citrine is a gemstone of positivity, prosperity, and radiant joy, making it a treasured choice for anyone looking to harness its sunshine-filled magic.
Fun fact: Citrine is also the traditional 13th wedding anniversary gemstone.
Topaz: A Gemstone of Clarity and Power
Topaz dazzles with radiant hues ranging from a deep-orange and pink to blue and brown, but topaz in its pure form is actually colorless. The result of many colors appearing in topaz is through other minerals that give it color through these impurities. Though, most of the well-known brilliant topaz colors are the result of treatments that can lead to more vibrant, desirable colors. In nature, most topaz gemstones found are a shade of orange or red, and naturally occurring blue or pink topaz are exceedingly rare.
Imperial Topaz Gems
Credit: Photo by GIA Institute
This gemstone can be classified as either a precious topaz or imperial topaz. Precious topaz is generally less costly while imperial topaz is highly prized and valuable due to its rarity and naturally vibrant color. Most of the imperial topaz gemstones are mined from the Ouro Preto region of Brazil, and they appear a rich red-orange to pink-orange.
Ranked an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, topaz is a strong fit for everyday wear. Yet, it needs to be cared for delicately when cleaned and stored. To clean this gemstone, use a mild soap and soft brush. An abrasive brush or harsher chemicals could lead to scratches on its surface despite its hardness. For this same reason, avoid storing topaz with harder gemstones such as diamonds or it can also suffer from a scratched or damaged surface.
Colorful Topaz Gemstones
Credit: Photo from GIA Institute
Originating from the ancient Greek name Topazio, which was the name of St. John’s Island in the Red Sea, topaz has a swirling history of confusion due to its color. At one point in time, any gemstone with a yellow hue was considered to be considered topaz, which likely lead to the confusion between topaz and citrine despite their vastly different properties. This leads to some uncertainties in its ancient history as we acknowledge this fact.
In Europe during the Renaissance, topaz was believed to end hunger and break spells. Hindus and African shamans thought of topaz as sacred.
Topaz is also the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 4th year of marriage.
Which One Speaks to You?
Whether you’re drawn to the sunny, cheerful energy of citrine or the confident, powerful brilliance of topaz, November’s birthstones offer more than just beauty—they provide meaning, history, and a sense of timeless wonder. Wearing either gem not only celebrates the month of November but also taps into centuries-old traditions and symbolism tied to abundance, strength, and joy.
