November Birthstone: Citrine & Topaz
November's birthstones are citrine and topaz. Golden amber, and traditionally a symbol of energy, abundance.
- Stones
- Citrine & Topaz
- Colour
- golden amber, amber to blue
- Hardness
- Mohs 7 · 8
- Zodiac
- Scorpio · Sagittarius
Citrine
Golden quartz, and genuinely rare in nature — so most citrine on the market is amethyst gently heated until its purple turns to warm gold. It's the same stone in a warmer key, and honest sellers say so. The natural, pale-honey material is the collector's prize.
Traditionally a symbol of energy, abundance, and Mohs 7 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does citrine come from?
Citrine is mined chiefly in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil — most citrine is heat-treated Brazilian amethyst.
Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
most citrine is heat-treated Brazilian amethyst
Where is citrine cut and traded?
Citrine is cut and traded in São Paulo, Brazil.
Topaz
Naturally amber-gold 'imperial' topaz is the historic prize, once thought to hold the warmth of the sun. Most blue topaz sold today is colourless topaz turned blue by irradiation and heat — a stable, accepted treatment, and one worth knowing about.
Traditionally a symbol of clarity, confidence, and Mohs 8 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does topaz come from?
Topaz is mined chiefly in Minas Gerais, Brazil — imperial topaz's home.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
imperial topaz's home
Where is topaz cut and traded?
Topaz is cut and traded in São Paulo, Brazil.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Citrine & Topaz are the modern choices for November. Topaz is November's traditional stone; citrine was added to the modern list in 1952.
Common questions
What is November's birthstone?
November's birthstones are citrine and topaz. Topaz is November's traditional stone; citrine was added to the modern list in 1952.
What colour is November's birthstone?
November runs two — citrine is golden amber, and topaz is amber to blue.
What does November's birthstone mean?
Citrine traditionally stands for energy, abundance; Topaz traditionally stands for clarity, confidence — associations carried by custom, not science.
Why does November have two birthstones?
Birthstone lists evolved across cultures and eras, and jewellers' associations later added alternates for choice, durability and affordability — so November carries citrine & topaz.
Where are citrine and topaz mined?
Chiefly Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil — most citrine is heat-treated Brazilian amethyst. Topaz comes chiefly from Minas Gerais, Brazil.
What is the Scorpio and Sagittarius birthstone?
November runs from Scorpio into Sagittarius, and citrine & topaz serve both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Should you choose citrine or topaz for November?
Both are official November birthstones, so either is a genuine choice. Citrine (golden amber, Mohs 7) is hard enough for daily wear; Topaz (amber to blue, Mohs 8) takes everyday wear well. Choose by the colour you prefer, how hard it'll be worn, and budget.
Can you wear November's birthstones every day?
Citrine is Mohs 7, hard enough for daily wear; Topaz is Mohs 8, hard enough for daily wear.