November Birthstones - Topaz - Citrine

Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth gemstone guide covers the November birthstones, topaz and citrine, and details their history, meaning, color, and more. 

All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, 

content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.

November Birthstones

The official November birthstones are topaz and citrine. These golden-hued birthstones give those
born in November two distinctive options to celebrate their birth month. 
While the two are sometimes confused because of their similar appearance, topaz and citrine are entirely
different minerals with unique properties and characteristics. Topaz is the traditional birthstone for 

November, with a history dating back thousands of years, while citrine, a variety of quartz, was later 

added as a modern alternative. Both gemstones are celebrated for their vibrant colors and relative affordability, 

making them versatile and attractive choices for jewelry.

Topaz

Traditional November birthstone; prized for its warm, golden-yellow color.

History

A rich history dating back thousands of years; ancient Greeks believed it could increase strength, and in the 

Middle Ages it was thought to heal ailments.

Meaning & Symbolism

Love, affection, and friendship; believed to promote joy, generosity, and peaceful communication.

Color

Wide range of colors; most associated with golden-yellow, but also blue, orange, pink, and white.

Hardness

8 Mohs; relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear with care.

Care

Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and store separately.

Citrine

Modern November birthstone; a variety of quartz known for its sunny color.

History

Popularized in ancient Greece as a decorative gem; regained popularity during the Art Deco period of the 

1920s and 1930s.

Meaning & Symbolism

Known as the "Merchant's Stone"; associated with wealth, prosperity, positivity, and creativity.

Color

Yellow to golden-orange, with the most prized stones showing a deep, honeyed hue.

Hardness

7 Mohs with good toughness; durable and well suited to everyday wear.

Care

Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe; avoid steam and 

store separately.

Topaz Birthstone

Topaz is the traditional November birthstone. It is renowned for its remarkable range of colors, 

though the warm, golden-yellow variety is the shade most closely associated with November. 

With a history spanning thousands of years, topaz has long been valued for both its beauty and its 

symbolism.

History of the Topaz Birthstone

The name "topaz" is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word "tapas," 

meaning fire, or from the Greek island of Topazios (now called Zabargad) in the Red Sea, 

where the stone was historically mined.

Throughout history, topaz has been associated with various mystical and healing properties. 

Ancient Greeks believed topaz could increase strength and make its wearer invisible in emergencies, 

and during the Middle Ages it was thought to heal physical and mental ailments and prevent death.

Topaz Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism

Topaz is believed to enhance one's sweetness and disposition, promoting joy, generosity, and good 

health. The stone is also linked to peaceful communication and emotional expression, helping to 

establish deeper and more meaningful friendships.

Topaz Birthstone Color

The color most associated with November's topaz is a rich, golden-yellow. However, topaz can also be 

found in shades of blue, orange, pink, and even white. Golden-yellow topaz, often referred to as 

Imperial Topaz, is particularly valued and sought-after for its warm, stunning appearance.

Topaz Birthstone Hardness

Topaz scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a relatively durable birthstone suitable for 

everyday wear. However, it should be handled with care, as it can be prone to chipping and cracking 

if struck with force.

Topaz Birthstone Care

To clean topaz, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, 

as the stone's internal structure can be sensitive to high temperatures. Store topaz jewelry separately 

from other gemstones to prevent scratching and potential damage.