November babies are fortunate enough to claim two beautiful birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in many colors, whereas citrine is prized for its deep yellow and orange hues. No matter which November birthstone you prefer, you get to enjoy some beautiful yellow gemstones.
Most citrine and topaz stones are reasonably priced, as good-quality gems are not as rare as their cardinal counterparts. So, if you’ve got a November birthday, your only problem is deciding which one to choose! If you are looking for birthstone jewelry for someone born in November, you are presented with some striking options.
Clean Origin does not carry topaz or citrine gemstones. This post is meant for educational purposes only. We encourage you to explore our lab grown diamond options.
First November Birthstone: Topaz
The many gorgeous topaz hues include clear, light blue topaz, yellow, orange, pink, brown, and, very rarely, red. Topaz gems make a beautiful and versatile November birthstone.
Some colors of the topaz birthstone are naturally occurring, while others are man-influenced; in fact, the vast majority of blue topaz today is the permanent result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating! And the rainbow effect of the “Mystic Topaz” is created by coating colorless topaz with a thin artificial film. You may be familiar with the pale yellow color of yellow topaz.
Origins of The Topaz Birthstone
Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning “fire,” while others trace it back to the Greek word and island of Topazios. The most sought-after color of this November birthstone is the pinkish-orange golden Topaz or “Imperial Topaz.” This variety has royal mysteries surrounding it: many say the name originated with the Russian royal family’s plan to keep the finest colors of this gem, mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains, all to themselves.
Others believe, especially popular in South America, that the Imperial topaz dates from an 1881 visit by Brazilian Emperor Pedro II. The Emperor visited Ouro Preto, the town next to Brazil’s most productive topaz mines. To honor his visit, they gifted him a reddish topaz.
Where does Topaz Come From?
By and large, this version of the November birthstone is found worldwide. Minas Gerais, the state in Brazil where Ouro Preto is located, has been one of the essential sources of high-quality topaz for more than 300 years. It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site!
Across the globe, northwestern Pakistan is known for producing pink topaz from Ghundao Hill near Katlang, which has been mined since 1972. As a matter of fact, the rarest shade of pink topaz from Katlang has a tinge of violet, which some in the gem trade call cyclamen pink.
Now, significant sources of this November birthstone are Namibia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, the U.S., and the historic Russian localities.
Second November Birthstone: Citrine
Citrine is the transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, and humans have used it in jewelry for thousands of years. If you are fond of this November birthstone, there is some undeniably stunning citrine jewelry.
Origins of The Citrine Birthstone
A popular choice since ancient times, the gem has shared a history of mistaken identities with the other November birthstone, yellow topaz. Thus, people thought Topaz citrine had the same powers!
The name citrine, which is close to the French word for “lemon,” aligns perfectly with its color range of deep yellow to bright orange-brown. Most people choose citrines based on their preferences, but the most valuable gemstones have good clarity, with a radiant yellowish to brownish-red hue.
Citrine is one of the most desired and affordable gemstones. It is relatively plentiful and available in various sizes and shapes, and can serve as a big, bold statement piece!
It was trendy in colorful Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era. Citrine also became more well-known during the Art Deco period in the early 20th century. The extensive coloring and versatility of citrine proved to be a catalyst for the visual aesthetic that characterized the Art Deco movement, encompassing everything from apparel to jewelry, interior design, and furniture.
Where Does Citrine Come From?
Today, most of the citrine sold results from the heat treatment of amethyst. The primary sources of this November birthstone are Bolivia, Spain, and Uruguay.
A citrine birthstone is a heated-treated amethyst that, as a result, transitions to the orange color. This stone is mined in Brazil. The Anahí mine in Bolivia produces a unique hybrid of amethyst and unheated citrine in the same stone — when the two colors appear together, it is known as ametrine.
Citrine birthstones produced at the Anahí mine typically range from orange-yellow to brownish/greenish-yellow. The story of the mine is romantic: when a Spanish conquistador in the 1600s found the Ayoreos tribe of Paraguay, he fell in love with princess, Anahí! When they got married, they gave him the mine as a part of her dowry; talk about the perfect engagement ring!
What do The November Birthstones Represent?
Both topaz and citrine were long thought to have many benefits: they are both known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. It is interesting that both November Birthstones are similar and have often been confused with each other.
History of Topaz
The ancient Greeks believed that topaz provided them with immense strength and vitality. Later, from the 1300s to the 1600s, the Europeans thought the precious gem could thwart evil magic spells and dispel unchecked anger. For centuries, people in India have believed that wearing a topaz above the heart will ensure long life, beauty, and intelligence. This November birthstone is thought to help you calm down, behave rationally, and even get rid of nightmares.
Topaz continues to attract us even today: people in modern times believe that they can protect themselves from black magic by wearing a topaz amulet on their arms. In jewelry, one can wear the stone in a ring, broach, necklace, or even earrings. Blue topaz is the gem of the fourth wedding anniversary, and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23rd wedding anniversary.
History of Citrine
The bright and shining November birthstone citrine was said to be a gift from the sun. Many believed the citrine birthstone’s warmth and depth could heal and calm you, like topaz. In ancient times, citrine served as protection against snake venom and evil or sinful thoughts. The ancient Egyptians and Romans associated this golden gem with the sun god, Ra, who gave it the power to protect and heal us humans. Today, citrine is the merchant’s stone. The stone symbolizes success and prosperity. Traditionally, citrine is the prime gift for the thirteenth wedding anniversary.
Lab Grown Topaz
Lab grown topazes are mined gem alternatives, created under controlled and monitored conditions with cutting-edge technology. Since lab grown and mined are identical, lab grown topaz is still the November birthstone. The process is started with a “seed” given by a natural gem and creates a stone with the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as a mined gem. They have the impurities and the same range of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight that you’d find among mined topazes. At any rate, some of the more famous laboratory gemstones are sapphires and emeralds.
Diamond vs. Topaz
| Mined Diamonds | Lab Grown Diamonds | Topaz |
| Made from Carbon | Made from Carbon | Made from a silicate mineral of Aluminium and Fluorine |
| Mohs Hardness Level = 10 | Mohs Hardness Level = 10 | Mohs Hardness Level = 8 |
| Refractive Index = 2.42 | Refractive Index = 2.42 | Refractive Index = 1.60-1.64 |
Which Should I Buy?
Are you trying to decide between gems or jewelry for yourself or a loved one? Here are the pros and cons of diamond and topaz!
The Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds:
- Incredibly high demand for diamonds
- The hardest mineral, not prone to breaking or scratches
- Ethically and sustainably sourced, so you’ll have a clear conscience!
- Up to 40% less expensive than mined diamonds
The Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds:
Lab grown diamonds are so new and technologically advanced, and some do not understand that they are exactly the same as mined diamonds.
The Pros of Topaz:
- Bright and unique, breaking from tradition — and there are so many colors to choose from!
- One of the November Birthstones, so it could be more significant and sentimental to those who were born in November
- Most gems are lab grown these days, which makes them ethically sourced!
- Less expensive than diamonds, depending on the four C’s
The Cons of Topaz:
- Not as valuable or sought after as diamonds
- Topaz has poor toughness, so it’s easier to scratch or break them in daily wear
Two November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
All in all, those lucky enough to have November Birthdays have quite a few options for birthstone jewelry. Basically, no matter which beautiful November birthstone you prefer, you are sure to get some fantastic gems with rich colors. Which of November’s birthstones is your favorite gemstone? You can pair them with white gold for some lovely jewelry.
