November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
November has two official birthstones: topaz and citrine. Every one counts, so you can choose by color, hardness or taste. Each is described below.
Topaz, a November birthstone
| Color | Yellow to orange, also other colors |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Topaz |
| Hardness | 8 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Sri Lanka |
| Anniversary gem | 4th and 23rd wedding anniversary |
Choosing topaz
- Topaz comes in yellow, orange, brown, pink, red, purple, blue, light green and colorless. Orangy red to red is the most valued.
- Most blue topaz starts out colorless and is turned sky blue by treatment.
Topaz treatments
- Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and heated, and the color is permanent.
- Mystic topaz is colorless topaz with an artificial coating that gives a rainbow effect.
Is topaz good for everyday wear?
Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale but has poor toughness, so it can chip or crack, and high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause breaks inside it.
Topaz history
- The ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength.
- From the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could break magic spells and calm anger.
How to clean topaz
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: not recommended.
- Steam cleaner: not recommended.
Avoid high heat and sudden temperature changes; some yellow to brown topaz can fade in long sunlight.
Citrine, a November birthstone
| Color | Yellow to orange |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Quartz (the yellow to orange variety) |
| Hardness | 7 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uruguay |
| Anniversary gem | 13th wedding anniversary |
Citrine treatments
- Most citrine on the market is amethyst that has been heated until it turns yellow to orange.
Is citrine good for everyday wear?
Citrine is 7 on the Mohs scale with good toughness, so GIA says it is usually durable enough for normal wear. It is the sturdier choice of the two November stones.
Citrine history
- It was a favorite in colorful Scottish jewelry of the Victorian era.
- Some citrine is heat-treated amethyst, mostly from Brazil.
How to clean citrine
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe.
- Steam cleaner: risky: high heat could crack it.
November birthstone and birth flower
November also has a birth flower: the chrysanthemum, which stands for friendship, loyalty and joy. The Birth Flower Finder covers every month.
Buying for someone not born in November? The Birthstone Finder shows every month's stones and colors in one chart. Topaz and citrine are also given for wedding anniversaries; the Anniversary Calculator shows which one is coming up next. If the gift is a surprise, a birthday countdown counts down to the day.
Birthstones for other months
November Birthstones questions
What is the November birthstone?
November has two birthstones: Topaz and Citrine. All of them are official, so you can choose the one you like best.
What color is the November birthstone?
Topaz: yellow to orange, also other colors. Topaz comes in yellow, orange, brown, pink, red, purple, blue, light green and colorless. Orangy red to red is the most valued. Citrine: yellow to orange.
Which November birthstone is the hardest?
Topaz, at 8 on the Mohs scale. Citrine is 7.
Is citrine a kind of quartz?
Yes. Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz, and some citrine is heat-treated amethyst, the purple quartz that is February's birthstone. At 7 on the Mohs scale it is a little softer than November's other stone, topaz, at 8.
Is topaz an anniversary gem?
Yes. GIA gives topaz for the 4th and 23rd wedding anniversaries.
Why does November have more than one birthstone?
The US list from 1912 has been updated a few times. Citrine was added to November in 1952.
Published October 7, 2026. Last updated October 7, 2026.