Name Necklace
November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine Guide
Oct
The November birthstone is actually two stones: topaz and citrine. Both glow in warm golden shades, which makes them a natural fit for the last weeks of autumn. Here is what each stone is, its colour, the month’s birth flower, and how to turn it all into a meaningful gift.
What Is the Birthstone for November?
November is one of the few months with two official birthstones. Topaz is the traditional stone and citrine is the modern alternative. For centuries the two were confused with each other, so people believed citrine shared topaz’s powers, such as calming the temper.
November Birthstone Colour
The classic November birthstone colour is golden yellow to warm orange. Citrine is always in that range, from pale lemon to deep amber. Topaz comes in many colours, including colourless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet and brown, but the warm golden shades are the ones linked to November.
Topaz: The Traditional Stone
Topaz is hard, at 8 on the Mohs scale, but it can chip if it takes a sharp knock. Its name may come from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire, or the Greek topazos. The ancient Greeks believed topaz gave strength, and in Europe from the 1300s to the 1600s people thought it could break spells and calm anger.
- Imperial topaz is a prized pinkish-orange variety.
- Blue topaz is almost always colourless topaz treated to turn blue, a permanent change.
- Topaz is mined in Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Sri Lanka and the United States, among other places.
Citrine: The Modern Stone
Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz, and its name comes from the French word for lemon. It rates 7 on the Mohs scale and is tough enough for everyday jewelry. Natural citrine is rare: most citrine sold today is amethyst that has been heat-treated to turn golden. Citrine is also the gem for a 13th wedding anniversary.
November Birthstone Flower
The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum, which stands for friendship, loyalty and honesty. Pairing a chrysanthemum bouquet with a birthstone gift is an easy way to make a November birthday feel complete.
How to Care for Topaz and Citrine
- Clean topaz and citrine with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid steam cleaners. Skip ultrasonic cleaners for topaz.
- Keep topaz away from high heat and sudden temperature changes, and long sun exposure can fade some yellow-brown stones.
November Birthstone Necklace Gift Ideas
Want to wear November’s golden shade every day? Our birthstone necklace lets you choose a birthstone colour beside each name, and November is a golden citrine shade. For a mother with a November baby, our mom necklace with birthstones holds up to four names, each with its own month. Prefer the wrist? Try a name bracelet with birthstone, or browse every custom name necklace in the collection. Every order is made to order, with delivery in under 20 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for November?
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both come in warm yellow and orange shades, which is why golden yellow is November’s classic shade.
What colour is the November birthstone?
Golden yellow to orange is the traditional shade. Topaz also comes in blue, pink and other colours, but the warm shades are the ones linked to November.
What is the November birth flower?
The chrysanthemum. It stands for friendship, loyalty and honesty.
Is blue topaz a November birthstone?
Topaz is a November birthstone in any colour, but most blue topaz is colourless topaz that has been treated to turn blue. On our jewelry, blue topaz is the December birthstone colour.
Which colour do your necklaces use for November?
Our birthstone necklaces use a golden citrine-colour stone for November. It is a coloured stone in that shade, not a natural gemstone.
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