The November birthstone is topaz, with citrine as its second modern stone. Topaz is a hard silicate mineral that occurs in golden, pink, blue and colorless forms, while citrine is yellow to orange quartz. Both are traditionally associated with warmth, abundance and optimism, which is why they suit the shortening days of November.
The stones
Color: Yellow, orange · Birth flower: Chrysanthemum
November is when the light changes. Evenings arrive early, leaves are down, and people reach for warm colors. It is fitting that the month has two birthstones the color of honey and amber: topaz and citrine.
They are often confused, and for good reason. Both can be yellow or orange, both are sold at friendly prices, and both are called November stones. But they are different minerals with different histories. If you are searching for the November birthstone, this page explains what each stone is, what colors to expect, what each traditionally stands for, where they came from, how to tell a natural stone from a treated one, and how to look after them.
November birthstones: topaz and citrine
The modern list, from the American Gem Society and Jewelers of America, names two November birthstones: topaz and citrine.
Topaz is an aluminum silicate containing fluorine and hydroxyl, and it ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has a perfect cleavage, meaning it can split along a flat plane if struck hard in the wrong direction, so settings that protect the stone are wise. Topaz is naturally found in colorless, yellow, orange, pink and brown, and most of the blue topaz sold today is colorless topaz treated with irradiation and heat.
Citrine is a variety of quartz with a hardness of 7. Its yellow to orange color comes from traces of iron. Natural citrine is fairly rare, and most citrine sold is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, an accepted practice in the trade.
Why two? Topaz is the traditional choice, and citrine was added later as a more affordable alternative with a similar warm color. Birthstone lists were set by the jewelry trade in 1912 and revised afterwards, so alternatives help people find a stone that matches their taste and budget.
November birthstone colors
The classic November birthstone color is golden yellow to orange, the shade of honey, amber and autumn leaves. Citrine is the most dependable source of that color. Its range runs from pale lemon to a deep orange-brown, with the richest, reddish-orange stones sometimes called Madeira citrine after the wine.
Topaz is far more varied. The most valued natural topaz is imperial topaz, a warm orange with pink tones, famously associated with Brazil. Pink topaz is rare and costly. Blue topaz, from pale sky to deep London blue, is very popular but is almost always treated. Colorless topaz is common, and "mystic" topaz has a thin coating that creates a rainbow sheen.
So November can be golden, pink or even blue, depending on which stone you prefer. If you want the traditional answer, think of warm, sunny gold that glows against the gray of late autumn.
November birthstone meaning and symbolism
In crystal lore, topaz is traditionally associated with warmth, generosity and strength of will. The golden tones led many cultures to link it with the sun, and the stone has long been a symbol of abundance and confidence. People wear it as a reminder to be generous and to keep going when things feel dim.
Citrine has a cheerful reputation. It is nicknamed the merchant's stone in modern crystal writing, which has made it a favorite among people who want a symbol of success and optimism in work. Its sunny color makes it a natural reminder to stay positive.
Together, the November stones suggest warmth, abundance and optimism, a nice counterweight to the shortening days. If you like rituals, you might carry a small piece of citrine in a pocket as a marker of a goal you are working on.
These associations are symbolic and traditional, not scientific. A stone cannot treat or prevent illness, and it is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Use the meaning as a prompt, and take it as lightly or seriously as you like.
History of the November birthstones
The name topaz is of uncertain origin. One theory ties it to Topazios, an old name for an island in the Red Sea, and another to a Sanskrit word meaning fire. Ancient writers may have used the name for a different stone, probably peridot, so the topaz of antiquity is not always today's topaz. Modern topaz comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Nigeria and elsewhere. The term imperial topaz is linked to the Russian Empire, where fine orange stones from the Ural mountains were reserved for the court.
Citrine takes its name from the French word for lemon. Yellow quartz was used in jewelry for centuries, and it grew popular in the twentieth century, including in Art Deco and mid-century jewelry. Large sources include Brazil, Spain and Madagascar.
The link between the Breastplate of Aaron and birthstones is a popular but debated story. The official list began with the National Association of Jewelers, now Jewelers of America, in 1912, which named topaz for November. Citrine was added to the November entry later in the twentieth century.
Choosing and caring for November birthstone jewelry
Both stones are good value. Citrine gives you a large, clear golden stone at a modest price, ideal for pendants, cocktail rings and earrings. Topaz is harder and more brilliant, a better candidate for rings, though remember its cleavage and avoid hard knocks.
When shopping, ask whether the color is natural. Blue topaz is nearly always treated, and that is fine if disclosed. Be wary of very cheap "citrine" that is just yellow glass, and of "imperial topaz" sold without a lab report at high prices.
Care tips:
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Keep citrine out of strong, prolonged sunlight, since its color can fade in some stones.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes for topaz.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for topaz that has fractures.
- Store stones separately so harder gems do not scratch them.
A small golden stone is a thoughtful gift for the start of the holiday season.
November zodiac signs and their stones
November is shared by Scorpio, through about November 21, and Sagittarius, from about November 22. Zodiac stone lists vary widely between sources, so this is tradition rather than rule.
For Scorpio, topaz is a frequent suggestion, along with garnet and opal on some lists. Its warm glow is meant to balance the sign's reputation for intensity and privacy.
For Sagittarius, topaz again appears often, as do turquoise and citrine. Sagittarius is the sign of travel and optimism, and the sunny colors of citrine and golden topaz reflect that outlook.
If you were born in November, the stone you like most is the right one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the November birthstone?
The November birthstone is topaz, and citrine is the second modern option. Topaz is a hard silicate mineral found in golden, pink and blue shades, while citrine is yellow to orange quartz. Both appear on the list used by Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society.
What color is the November birthstone?
The traditional November color is golden yellow to orange, which fits both citrine and imperial topaz. Topaz can also be pink, blue or colorless, and most blue topaz is treated. If you want a single answer, think of warm honey-gold.
Does November have two birthstones?
Yes. November has topaz and citrine on the modern list. Topaz is the traditional stone, and citrine was added as a more affordable stone with a similar color. You can wear either one, and many people simply choose by color and budget.
What does the November birthstone mean?
In crystal lore, topaz is associated with warmth, generosity and strength of will, and citrine with optimism and abundance. These meanings are symbolic, not scientific, and a stone cannot take the place of medical or mental health care. Treat it as a prompt.
What is the November birth flower?
The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum. These autumn blooms come in gold, bronze, white and purple, so a golden chrysanthemum pairs nicely with citrine or topaz. In many countries the flower carries its own meanings, which vary by culture.
Angel number meanings are for reflection and inspiration. They are not predictions, and they are not medical, legal or financial advice.