The November birthstone is topaz, and citrine is the official second choice. Both stones glow in warm yellow to orange tones, so golden yellow is the classic November birthstone color. Topaz rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale and citrine rates 7, which makes both practical for everyday jewelry (GIA).
This guide goes deep on November only. For every month at a glance, see the birthstone chart by month.
What Is the November Birthstone?
November has two birthstones: topaz, a mineral of its own, and citrine, a yellow variety of quartz. The two look so alike that people mistook one for the other for centuries. Either stone is correct for any November birthday.
| Quick facts | Topaz | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Topaz | Quartz |
| November colors | Yellow, golden, orange, pinkish orange | Pale yellow to brownish orange |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 7 |
| Toughness | Poor (can chip or crack) | Good |
| Main sources | Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and more | Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay |
| Status on the list | Original 1912 November stone | Added in 1952 |
Hardness, toughness and sources above follow the GIA November birthstone guide.
Why Does November Have Two Birthstones?
November has two birthstones because the jewelry trade added citrine to the official list in 1952, four decades after topaz was named. The modern American list was first set in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, the trade group now known as Jewelers of America.
The 1912 American birthstone list named topaz as the only November birthstone. Jewelers of America updated the list in 1952 and added citrine for November, alongside alexandrite for June, tourmaline for October and zircon for December. That 1952 update is why November buyers can choose between two golden stones today (National Jeweler, 2016).
The source for this timeline is National Jeweler's history of the birthstone list. A second stone also gives November buyers a practical option. GIA notes that fine citrine stays affordable even in large sizes, while the most prized topaz colors are rare.
Topaz Meaning, Colors and Types
Topaz has long been linked to strength, calm and protection. Ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength, and medieval Europeans thought it could dispel magic and calm anger, according to GIA. In India, tradition held that topaz worn above the heart brought long life, beauty and intelligence.
Topaz comes in many colors, which is why the name alone does not tell you which stone you are looking at:
- Precious or imperial topaz: the golden orange to pinkish orange stone most closely tied to November. The most prized colors run toward orangy red.
- Golden and yellow topaz: the warm everyday shades most people picture for November.
- Blue topaz: widely available and popular, but officially a December stone, covered below.
- Colorless, pink and violet topaz: real topaz, though not the traditional November look.
GIA states that precious topaz is a birthstone for November and blue topaz is a birthstone for December. GIA also reports that most blue topaz sold today is colorless topaz treated with irradiation and heat, a permanent change. Shoppers who want a traditional November topaz should look for yellow, golden or orange tones (GIA, accessed October 2026).
You can read more on varieties in the GIA topaz description. Two theories explain the name "imperial": Russian royalty may have reserved the finest Ural Mountains colors, or the name may honor Brazilian Emperor Pedro II.
Citrine Meaning, Color and Origin
Citrine is the sunny yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, and it is the easiest November birthstone to buy in bigger sizes. GIA notes that even fine citrine has a modest price tag, and price per carat does not climb sharply as stones get larger.
Most citrine on the market starts as amethyst that is heat-treated until it turns golden. Natural, unheated citrine is rare. GIA names the Anahí mine in Bolivia as a key natural source.
Citrine's lore centers on warmth and good fortune. The American Gem Society's citrine history says people believed citrine could calm tempers, soothe anger and manifest desires, especially prosperity. AGS also notes that the word "citrine" was first recorded in English in 1385. For centuries citrine was sold under names like gold topaz or Madeira topaz, even though quartz and topaz are unrelated minerals.
Topaz vs Citrine vs Blue Topaz: Which November Stone Fits You?
Choose topaz if you want the hardest stone and the original November birthstone, and choose citrine if you want a durable, budget friendly golden stone. Blue topaz is a lovely look, but it belongs to December on GIA's list.
| Stone | Mohs hardness | Color range | Relative price tier | Everyday wear | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precious or imperial topaz | 8 | Golden orange to pinkish orange | Premium; top colors are the most prized | Good for pendants and earrings; protect rings from knocks | Warm soapy water; no steam or ultrasonic |
| Golden or yellow topaz | 8 | Yellow to golden | Mid range | Same as above; hard but can chip | Warm soapy water; no steam or ultrasonic |
| Citrine | 7 | Pale yellow to brownish orange | Accessible, even in large sizes | Very good; good toughness | Warm soapy water; ultrasonic usually safe; no steam |
| Blue topaz (December) | 8 | Sky to deep blue | Accessible; widely available | Same care as topaz | Warm soapy water; no steam or ultrasonic |
Price tiers are relative to each other, based on GIA's notes on rarity and availability, not fixed prices. Hardness and cleaning guidance come from GIA.
"Am I topaz or citrine?" is one of the most searched November questions. There is no official date split inside November. Anyone born from November 1 to 30 can wear either stone, so pick by color, budget and how often the piece will be worn.
How to Care for Topaz and Citrine
Clean both November birthstones with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep both away from high heat. The details differ because topaz is harder but less tough than citrine.
- Topaz: skip steam and ultrasonic cleaners. GIA warns that high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause internal breaks. Avoid long exposure to heat and strong sunlight.
- Citrine: warm soapy water is always safe, and ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe. Avoid steam, since heat can be a risk.
- Both stones: store pieces separately so harder stones do not scratch softer ones, and take rings off for gym sessions or heavy chores.
Topaz scores 8 on the Mohs scale yet has poor toughness, so a sharp knock can chip or crack it. Citrine scores 7 but has good toughness. GIA's November birthstone guide reports both figures, which is why topaz suits pendants and earrings best, while citrine handles daily rings well (GIA, accessed October 2026).
If your setting is plated rather than solid gold, the metal also needs gentle handling. Follow the gold plated jewelry care guide alongside the stone tips above.
How to Wear and Gift a November Birthstone
A November birthstone gift works best when the golden tone sits close to the skin, where it reads warm and bright. Pendants, studs and tennis bracelets keep the stone visible and away from most knocks.
For a sunny yellow line on the wrist, the Citrine Crush Tennis Bracelet stacks easily with gold chains, as the photo above shows. Browse more styles in tennis bracelets.
For a personal touch, choose a birthstone necklace and select a November color. Compare the Faye Birthstone Necklace, Noa Birthstone Necklace, Kali Birthstone Necklace and Celeste Birthstone Necklace. Stone options and details can change, so check each product page.
Prefer a golden accent beyond necklaces? Explore gemstone earrings and gemstone rings in warm tones. Pair the piece with a note about the stone's lore and the gift tells a story. For more ideas, see the ultimate gift guide for her.
Frequently Asked Questions About the November Birthstone
What color is the November birthstone?
The November birthstone color is golden yellow to orange. Topaz for November ranges from yellow and golden to orange and pinkish orange, and citrine ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange. Blue topaz is a different case: GIA lists blue topaz as a December birthstone. If you want a classic November look, choose warm yellow, honey or amber tones in any metal that flatters your skin.
Am I topaz or citrine?
You can be either. Topaz and citrine are both official November birthstones, and there is no rule that splits them by date. Anyone born on any of November's 30 days can wear either stone. Choose topaz for the higher hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and its original 1912 status, or citrine for a durable, accessible golden stone with good toughness. Many people simply pick the shade they love most.
What 2 months have three birthstones?
June and December are the 2 months usually listed with three birthstones. The American Gem Society notes that June is one of only two such months, with pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. GIA lists turquoise, zircon and tanzanite for December. November has 2 birthstones, topaz and citrine. The extra stones came from updates to the 1912 list, which gave buyers more colors and price points.
Is blue topaz a November birthstone?
Not on GIA's list. GIA states that precious topaz is a birthstone for November and blue topaz is a birthstone for December. Many shops still sell blue topaz as a November gift because the mineral is the same. Most blue topaz is colorless topaz treated with irradiation and heat to create a permanent blue. For a traditional November piece, choose yellow, golden or orange topaz, or citrine.
Which is more expensive, topaz or citrine?
Fine imperial topaz usually costs more than citrine. GIA describes orangy red to red topaz as the most prized colors, while even fine citrine carries a modest price, and price per carat does not rise sharply for larger citrine. Blue topaz is widely available and often affordable. Treat these as relative tiers; final cost depends on size, cut, clarity and the setting.
Ready to celebrate a November birthday? Start with warm golden tones in EVRY gemstone necklaces, then add the story behind the stone.
