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The History and Meaning of November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

The True Meaning of November’s Beautiful Birthstones

November babies are a lucky bunch because the November birthstones, citrine and topaz, come in a dazzling array of colors and are relatively affordable. So November babies, go ahead and drop hints about a beautiful piece of birthstone jewelry in the color of your choice! With a wide range of hues and styles, there are plenty of options to choose from. For the low-down on everything you need to know about these richly-colored citrine and topaz gems, read on.

Where are topaz and citrine found?

From the mountains of Russia to Finders Island, Australia, topaz is found all over the world. Pakistan, Brazil, and Sri Lanka are some of the leading sources of topaz. And fun fact: Topaz Mountain in Utah was named after its abundance of the mineral!

Like topaz, citrine is found across the globe, as it is a variety of quartz. And quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth.

Why does November have two birthstones?

The idea of birthstones traces back to ancient times with the 12 stones of the High Priest’s breastplate mentioned in Exodus. For a while, it was common practice to wear one stone each month throughout the year. In 1912, the Jewelers of America wanted to standardize the birthstones. Modern birthstones are based on what is easiest to sell in large quantities. This is why November has two birthstones. Topaz was the original birthstone, but citrine was later added as a more affordable option.

Facts About Citrine: Health & Wealth in Rich Colors

Citrine is a quartz gemstone found in golden shades ranging from pale yellow to deep brownish orange. As one of the more affordable gems, citrine makes for a good choice if you want an eye-catching ring or pendant with a larger gemstone. Citrine appears frequently in Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings.

Fire-Citrine-Stud-Earrings

This gem is also known as “healing quartz,” because legend has it that citrine promotes vitality and energy in whomever wears it. And, according to the Chinese feng shui philosophy, citrine creates wealth and abundance. While we can’t guarantee health and wealth will be gifts with purchase, we do think Fire Citrine™ Stud Earrings make an excellent birthday present for passionate November-born Scorpios.

The name for “Citrine” comes from the Latin root for “lemon,” and it’s no wonder that this sunny and golden stone has been thought to be a healing crystal that brings happiness, health, energy, and prosperity. For hundreds of years, citrine has also thought to ground and remove negativity — so this is the perfect gemstone for those seeking good vibes only!

Facts About Topaz: Symbol of Love in Favorite Hues

Topaz is a hard silicate mineral which gets its color from impurities or defects in its crystal structures, which turn it gorgeous shades of yellow, blue, red, green, brown, violet and pink. Topaz can also be colorless, and colorless topaz is often heated to create blue gems (most blue topaz isn’t natural—the color is created through treatment). The most valuable and expensive shades of topaz are deep orange with pink undertones called Imperial topaz, named after the Russian czars of the 19th century, and yellowish brown hue called sherry topaz.

Hydrangea-Earrings

The topaz birthstone symbolizes love and affection, and is said to bestow strength and intelligence on the person who wears it, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and a gift of blue topaz is said to be a promise of love and fidelity.

Topaz and Citrine’s Famous Fans

Both of the November birthstones have a royal advocate in the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton (who was born in January, but maybe garnet isn’t her favorite?).  If you glimpsed her engagement photos with Prince William you may have assumed that her glittery pavé drop earrings were diamond, but they were actually made of white topaz (the “Hope Egg” design by Links of London). The Duchess also has a favorite pair of cushion-cut citrine drop earrings by Kiki McDonough, a popular British (but of course) jewelry designer, and has appeared in white topaz and blue topaz earrings by McDonough.  We think topaz and citrine are a perfect fit with the Duchess’s down-to-earth elegance, because they’re nearly as dazzling as more expensive precious gems but with a more sensible price tag.

Marina-Necklace

Citrine has also had bursts of popularity in the Victorian Era, when queen Victoria added citrine elements to her collection of royal jewelry. In the golden age of early Hollywood, global stars like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford famously wore glamorous citrine pieces.

Topaz and Citrine Care and Cleaning Tips

Although topaz and citrine are both hard stones, their shape can often lead to chipping. When wearing topaz or citrine jewelry, try not to knock it against hard surfaces, and keep it stored away from other stones. Also, don’t allow the jewelry to come into contact with harsh chemicals, including hand lotions and sanitizers.

To clean, soak the stone in a water solution and mild dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, gently remove any remaining dirt with a soft cloth and pat dry.

Final Thoughts

Are you a November baby? Do you prefer citrine or topaz? Let us know on InstagramFacebookTwitter or in the comments section!

Sources: Gemological Institute of America, American Gem Society

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Comments (37)

Haylee Moran coran Says:
December 3rd, 2019 at 10:48 am

The blue stone of November is to die for I love it. It’s a Crowne type royal.

susanne Dennis Says:
December 2nd, 2019 at 3:14 pm

I am a November person. I prefer blue topaz and always have. I do have several pieces and a ring which I love.

Burelese Williams Says:
December 1st, 2019 at 6:42 am

It’s agreat month to be born in Noverber 11

Carolyn Jones Says:
November 30th, 2019 at 10:32 am

I prefer topaz but they are hard to find.

Camilla Butler Says:
November 18th, 2019 at 10:28 am

My Birth is topaz

Randy Hawkins Says:
November 17th, 2019 at 12:27 pm

Love the birthstone what’s the price

Beatrice Butler Says:
November 11th, 2019 at 11:55 am

I love the golden topaz.im fixing to be 63 & have only had one birthstone ring but hope to have another one soon.i love the topaz rings

Madison Sonjanette Says:
November 1st, 2019 at 8:23 pm

Born November 14th, I have both stones. Yellow topaz and golden citrine

Roberto Says:
November 1st, 2019 at 9:57 am

I want to become customer

Aurthor Bovan Says:
October 31st, 2019 at 10:30 am

I’m a November baby and I’m lucky much love to you November’s

Judy Says:
October 19th, 2019 at 10:03 pm

I am a May baby. I love my birthstone, emerald. I also love the topaz, amethyst, diamond, pearls in back and white. If you carry a amethyst stone in your pocket it is said to bring clarity.

Madison Loebach Says:
June 5th, 2019 at 3:46 pm

Citrine is my birthstone and I think it’s at a tie with Topaz.

Anna Marie Says:
June 5th, 2019 at 6:04 am

What can you tell me about yellow sapphire?

Brandy Says:
March 26th, 2019 at 8:00 pm

My birthstone is for October the precious Opal. I believe each stone touches people exqctly as they say they should. I know i feel different when i where opal comparatively to my sons stone which is Aquamarine. Or my Daughters which is Emerald. They all feel different on me.

Alvaro Says:
March 1st, 2019 at 8:02 pm

I like most stones , especialy their diamond cuts and shapes on new rings and earrings.

Betty Hatter Says:
October 19th, 2018 at 1:53 pm

I have several gemstones and wear them all the time.
Get many compliments from people

Venetia Zaharias Says:
April 20th, 2018 at 11:09 am

I have only had one Topaz ring. It was my high school ring. Glad I was born on November 12. But I lost that ring years ago. I will get another one made one day

Kim Purvis Says:
April 8th, 2018 at 8:56 am

The Flora ring is something special. A every generation ring. How I’d love to own something so special.

Kim Purvis Says:
April 8th, 2018 at 8:52 am

So beautiful

Debbie Kusiak Says:
February 9th, 2018 at 11:20 am

Yellow Topaz is the true November birthstone. You need those options.

Dion Ngidi Says:
November 19th, 2017 at 1:41 pm

Years come, years go and so do people but a precious gift such as this stone lives forever and stands the test of time.

Vivian Ortega Says:
November 6th, 2017 at 1:38 pm

My birthstone is garnet and love it but I also love Jade and Beryl and emeralds.i usually buy gems for Birthday gifts because everyone should have a birth stone in their jewelry box.

Judith Jorge Says:
August 18th, 2017 at 3:23 pm

My stone is garnet. But I have always been intrigued by Princess Diana’s ring. I also like rubies. Emeralds. I just love real jewelry. Unless I win it. Or find it out here in the the street. The only way to afford it. Or maybe win the lottery. Lolololololo.

Margaret Fiske Says:
August 17th, 2017 at 5:15 pm

Topaz is a tiger sunning in the jungle, the autumn leaves dancing in the wind, and a favorite cup of tea to warm your soul.

Linda Tejeda Says:
July 24th, 2017 at 12:34 am

Love topaz, it is so beautyfull

Linda Tejeda Says:
July 24th, 2017 at 12:32 am

Love topaz! It is so beautyfull

clo angell Says:
January 22nd, 2017 at 1:13 pm

i love any stones but mostly my birth stone witch is the blue saphire……thank you.

Dion Ngidi Says:
November 19th, 2016 at 2:18 pm

19 November, born on this day I am represents a dazzling precious germ without a price tag.

Jennifer Says:
August 20th, 2016 at 1:08 pm

I’m a November baby also… I love Topaz it’s a beautiful stone

Jean-Marc Collin Says:
July 24th, 2016 at 7:56 am

awesome and gorgeous jewelry;send me some good deals and I’llgladly buy from you’s

April Cortez Says:
March 27th, 2016 at 5:19 am

My mom go me a topaz ring and nickles and incloded with earings and i wear them all but no the ring i only use it for speacial acashions and i hide it safeley well yeah their all extremley beautifull. I just want to thank my mom for thees and mostly because ive been beging for these i love her so much and im extreamly glad that i was born on november thanks god i love to be a topaz

April Cortez Says:
March 27th, 2016 at 5:16 am

My mom go me a topaz ring and nickles and incloded with earings o wer then all but no the ring i only use it for speacial acashions and i hide it safeley well yeah they all extremley beautifull. I just want to thank my mom fir thus and mistly because ive been behing cor these i love her so much and im extreamly glad that i was born on november thanks god i love to be a topaz

cheri Says:
March 11th, 2016 at 10:04 pm

I think all November (Topaz) stones are beatiful? I’m glad that my b-day is in November!!!

faith Says:
January 10th, 2016 at 4:08 pm

I love topaz because it’s pretty and represent my birthday month November 20th and I really love it

Dion Ngidi Says:
December 4th, 2015 at 6:33 am

Only the best for the November month 🙂

Jannie LaGrange Says:
August 21st, 2015 at 10:15 am

My birthstone November by I love the fire ople

jezzy Says:
July 17th, 2014 at 5:36 am

I love topaz it’s so pretty