November
November's birthstones are topaz and citrine — warm as autumn sun, symbols of warmth, abundance and optimism.
November’s birthstones are topaz and citrine — warm as autumn sun, symbols of warmth, abundance and optimism. Two shades of gold, a touch of warmth for a cooling season.
About the November Birthstone
November has two modern birthstones. Citrine is yellow quartz, warm as autumn sun, most of it heated from amethyst and natural stones scarce; topaz comes in blue, pink, colourless and more, and is harder. The two were long confused. The traditional November stone is topaz.
The Meaning of This Month
Citrine symbolises warmth, abundance and optimism, long the “merchant’s stone” for its meaning of wealth; topaz symbolises strength and healing. To give one to someone born in November is to wish “warmth like autumn sun, abundance and cheer”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Citrine and topaz were long confused — old names like “Madeira topaz” and “Scottish topaz” in fact meant citrine; discouraged by the GIA today, they linger in antique jewellery.
The Lists
| List | November birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US, citrine 1952) | Topaz · Citrine |
| Traditional | Topaz |
| Zodiac | Scorpio (to 11/21) · Sagittarius (from 11/22) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
What is November's birthstone?
Modern is topaz and citrine; the traditional list is topaz.
Is citrine baked from amethyst?
Most on the market is. Natural citrine is rare; the mainstream is amethyst heated to yellow, an open and accepted trade practice.
What does citrine symbolise?
Warmth, abundance and optimism; long the "merchant's stone" for its meaning of wealth.
How do you tell topaz from citrine?
They are different minerals at different prices; once used loosely, they are now told apart by mineral and refractive traits.
Which zodiac signs go with November?
Scorpio (to November 21) and Sagittarius (from November 22).