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November Birthstone (Topaz and Citrine) Meaning, Color, and History

The November birthstone options include topaz and citrine, representing prosperity, fellowship, power, and ingenuity. November birthstones resonate with the vibrant and affectionate energy of people born in the eleventh month. People with November birthdays can choose between the golden topaz and sunny citrine to find the gem that represents their passion and motivation.

November birthstone meaning, color, and history
An overview of the November birthstones’ significance, color, and history

Topaz birthstones symbolize the qualities of strength and protection. Its warm, golden hues evoke feelings of verve and vitality. According to historians, topaz was believed to have medicinal properties, promoting physical well-being. This gemstone brings wisdom and courage, aiding in clarity of thought and bolstering the wearer’s confidence, especially during challenging times.

The alternate November birthstone, citrine, is a warm, golden-brown gemstone derived from the French word “citron,” meaning lemon. Citrine symbolizes positivity, regeneration, and abundance, designed to uplift the spirit and dispel negative energies. Furthermore, citrine is connected to the solar plexus chakra, which cleanses and regenerates one’s energy. Gemologists regard citrine as a powerful and energizing stone.

Topaz and citrine, through their distinct but complementary attributes, offer a range of benefits that align with the natural qualities of November-born individuals. Below, discover the elaborate history, symbolism, and benefits of the November birthstones.

What does the November birthstone mean?

There are two options for the November birthstone: abundance, connection, strength, and creativity. Citrine embodies abundance, prosperity, and success. In whatever area of life you seek to improve, whether it pertains to health and wellness or business, citrine will support your endeavors.

November’s golden topaz boosts affectionate connections. The vibrant stone attracts love, affection, and good fortune. Golden topaz birthstones are excellent resources to solidify meaningful connections and strengthen existing ones. For example, Gems and Gem Minerals By Oliver C. Farrington describes topaz as a gem that brings cheerfulness and calmness. Furthermore, citrine’s warm color symbolizes joy, happiness, and positivity, elevating the spirit and dissipating negative energies to bring people closer together.

Yellow topaz espouses strength, courage, and resilience, anchoring confidence and determination in its wearer. November’s topaz birthstone enhances wisdom and promotes spiritual connections, aiding mental clarity and focus. Meanwhile, citrine enhances creativity and boosts confidence. Low self-esteem manifests in your energy and interactions with the world, dampening your verve. Therefore, citrine helps you level up and grow confidence from within, a powerful magnet of positive energy.

Citrine and topaz encompass a spectrum of meanings, from fostering abundance and creativity to enhancing strength, love, and connection. These stones are particularly suited for November-born individuals, aligning with their inherent qualities and aspirations and offering a range of benefits that resonate with their unique personalities.

Infographic for November birthstones
An infographic detailing the meaning and symbolism of November birthstones

What is the difference between modern and traditional November birthstones?

Modern and traditional November birthstones differ in their meaning and value. The traditional November birthstone is the topaz gemstone, which has been connected to the divine and divine attributes since ancient Egypt. Topaz birthstones symbolized strength, wisdom, and courage and were featured in religious ceremonies and burials in ancient Roman and Greek eras. It played a significant role in religious ceremonies and was believed to ensure safe passage in the afterlife, aligning with November-born individuals’ resilient and confident nature.

The modern November birthstone citrine shares an affinity with its traditional counterpart. Citrine increases one’s spirit and emotional intelligence with energies complementing the topaz birthstone. However, citrine is more widely available and affordable than some rare, valuable topaz varieties, especially imperial topaz. Affordability and accessibility are the main differences between traditional and modern birthstones, while their energies and personalities are complementary.

What are the alternate birthstones for November?

The alternate birthstones for November are amethyst, pearl, and citrine. Amethyst is revered as the guardian angel stone, symbolizing spiritual protection and wisdom. It is believed to foster a sense of calm and clarity, making it a valuable choice for those seeking mental peace and spiritual insight. Pearl is November’s Tibetan stone and is valued for its serene beauty and purity. It represents tranquility and a deep connection to the soul, resonating with the reflective nature of late autumn.

As an alternative birthstone, Citrine is celebrated for its vibrant golden-yellow hues that evoke joy and abundance. This stone is thought to attract prosperity and positive energy, enhancing optimism and creativity, making it a fitting choice for November-born individuals. These stones together provide a variety of aesthetic and symbolic choices, complementing the primary birthstone of topaz and catering to a wide range of preferences and characteristics.

Is there a November zodiac birthstone?

Yes, November’s Zodiac birthstone includes topaz for Scorpio and tanzanite for Sagittarius. Topaz symbolizes strength, courage, and protection, which resonates well with Scorpios. Their deep passion for uncovering truths and exploring life’s mysteries is intense, and topaz helps balance that intensity. Topaz offers a steady energy release, essential for managing Scorpio’s emotional depth and intense curiosity.

Tanzanite is the Zodiac birthstone for Sagittarius, which echoes this sign’s adventurous and philosophical spirit. Its blue and violet hues represent Sagittarius’s pursuit of knowledge and truth. Wearing tanzanite is thought to amplify Sagittarian optimism, wisdom, and love of freedom, aiding their explorative and introspective journey.

What color is November’s birthstone?

November’s birthstone colors present a variety of hues, with deep gold and sunny yellow primarily representing the month. Topaz is known for its range of hues, including the classic yellow topaz, which varies from pale to deep gold, embodying the traditional color of the stone. The Imperial Topaz features reddish-orange to pinkish-orange tones and is often prized as the most valuable form of topaz. Additionally, blue topaz offers a captivating option, ranging from pale sky blue to deeper, richer blues, achieved through irradiation and heat treatment.

The sunny yellow citrine for November resembles a bright lemon rind, while the deep amber citrine offers a less common but enchanting option. A unique and highly sought-after variety is the reddish-brown citrine, distinguished by its distinctive and alluring appearance. Together, these colors of topaz and citrine provide a rich palette for November, reflecting the month’s diversity in hues from golden yellows to deep blues and vibrant reds and browns.

What is the November birthstone crystal shape?

The following four shapes and formations reflect each November birthstone’s crystal qualities.

  • Cushion: Cushion-cut topaz, with its rounded corners and deep facets, highlights the stone’s color saturation and brilliance. Citrine in a cushion cut provides a soft yet elegant look, emphasizing the stone’s warm glow and making it ideal for statement pieces.
  • Princess: Princess-cut topaz offers a modern, geometric appeal, enhancing the stone’s natural sparkle and vivid color. In citrine, this square cut with sharp edges maximizes the refraction of light, giving the stone a contemporary and radiant appearance.
  • Marquise: Marquise-cut topaz is characterized by its elongated shape with pointed ends, accentuating the stone’s length and imparting a distinct elegance. Citrine in a marquise cut appears even more luminous, lending jewelry a sophisticated and slender appearance.
  • Pear shape: Pear-shaped topaz combines round and marquise cuts, providing a unique and dramatic look. This cut in citrine elegantly showcases the stone’s hue and clarity, making it a favorite for pendants and drop earrings.

Topaz typically crystallizes in an orthorhombic system, forming elongated crystals and prismatic shapes. This structure contributes to its brilliance and the variety of colors it exhibits. On the other hand, citrine, a variety of quartz, has a hexagonal crystal system, resulting in well-formed crystals with a six-sided prism ending in a six-sided pyramid. The crystal structures of topaz and citrine play a significant role in their appearance and how they are cut and used in jewelry, reflecting their unique properties and enhancing their natural beauty.

What’s the history of the November birthstones?

November’s birthstones have a history rooted in protective qualities and prosperity. Assigning gemstones to each month originates from ancient practices that associated specific stones with astrological symbolism and spiritual beliefs. This practice can be traced back to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The first Jewish historian, Josephus, connected these stones and the twelve zodiac signs.

During the Renaissance era in Europe, topaz was believed to break curses and evil spells, symbolizing protection and spiritual cleansing. Hindu traditions revered the topaz birthstone as a pendant that extended one’s lifespan and increased their spirituality.

The positive attributes of topaz made it a popular choice among royalty and influential figures. For example, Lady Hildegarde, wife to the Count of Holland, gave a topaz stone to her local monastery. Legend has it that the topaz emitted such a brilliant light at night that it allowed prayers to be read in the chapel without additional lighting, symbolizing the stone’s mystical and luminous qualities.

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed that citrine could alleviate bad tempers, de-escalate tension and hostility, and relinquish animosity. In the mid-18th century, mineralogists discovered that smoky quartz and amethyst gemstones could be heated to produce the citrine gemstone. Nowadays, citrine is a far more affordable option than the topaz birthstone, which gives birthstone variety to November.

Where is the November birthstone found?

The November birthstones, Topaz and Citrine, are found in various regions across the globe, with mining occurring prominently in South America, Asia, Africa, and North America. Brazil’s Minas Gerais state is a crucial source, mainly known for producing the exquisite Imperial Topaz. Topaz’s varied color range, including the much-coveted golden hues of Imperial Topaz, is mined here. Additionally, Brazil is home to citrine mining operations, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, known for its quality deposits. While Bolivia makes a notable contribution to the citrine market with its distinct golden-yellow citrine.

Russia’s Ural Mountains are historically significant for pink and sherry-red topaz, while Pakistan is a vital source of blue and pink topaz varieties. Nigeria and Madagascar are integral to the topaz supply chain, offering blue, yellow, and warm-colored stones in Africa.

The United States, specifically Colorado and North Carolina, are recognized for their citrine deposits. These regions are known for yielding high-quality citrine with rich golden hues highly valued in the gemstone market.

Topaz and Citrine are formed in diverse geological settings like granite, pegmatite, and alluvial deposits, and the continuous discovery of new deposits, coupled with advances in mining techniques, has broadened the availability and range of these gemstones, making them a global staple in the gem market.

November birthstone chart

Below is a chart that breaks down the November birthstones.

November birthstones
Modern Topaz and citrine
Traditional Pearl
Zodiac Topaz (Scorpio) and tanzanite (Sagittarius)
Meaning Abundance, connection, strength, and creativity
Color Deep gold to sunny yellow
Historical significance Protection and prosperity

What are the November birthstone personality traits?

The following are five November birthstone personality traits.

  • Empathy: Topaz increases the ability to empathize and recognize other people’s emotions. This develops trust and stronger connections in the wearer’s life, particularly for November-born individuals evoking the month’s association with the sensitive number 11.
  • Strength: Topaz embodies the personality traits of strength and courage, helping its wearer process and feel the gravity of their emotions during hardship. Consequently, this hones their resilience and inner strength.
  • Protection: Topaz is known for its protective qualities, safeguarding individuals from physical harm and negative spiritual influences.
  • Prosperity: Citrine enhances the wearer’s sense of abundance and prosperity. Encouraging appreciation for life’s smaller joys and enhancing gratitude.
  • Optimism: You’re guaranteed to feel more optimistic about the outcomes of certain situations, whether they pertain to romance or your job. This is owing to the citrine birthstone as its energy taps into your inner flow, helping you steer the course into smooth terrain.

Are there benefits to wearing a November birthstone?

Yes, wearing a November birthstone benefits you in the following five ways. The first benefit of citrine and topaz is increased confidence. Both gems are linked to the solar plexus chakra, which is responsible for promoting confidence and self-esteem. Consistently wearing both November birthstones will support self-confidence and sureness. The second benefit is passionate creativity. The element that resonates the most with citrine and topaz is fire. Both November birthstones kindle an inner passion that manifests in creativity, like the flames that brighten the fire.

The third benefit of a November birthstone is a heightened assertion of self. You’re more likely to assert yourself when you feel more confident and creative. The November birthstones benefit the ability to vocalize your opinions and feelings respectfully. The fourth benefit of citrine and topaz is increased motivation. Both gems enhance motivation by focusing energy on the immediate project at hand. Keep either November stone near you when you’re feeling unmotivated.

Finally, citrine promotes increased energy that revitalizes the spirit and body. This makes it particularly beneficial for boosting overall energy levels and combating fatigue, offering a rejuvenating influence to those who wear it.

What happens after wearing topaz and citrine?

Your communication, energy levels, and overall mood will be amplified after wearing topaz and citrine. Topaz gemstones have different benefits and usages. Blue topaz energizes the solar plexus to promote confidence. For example, the solar plexus covers the heart, providing additional confidence to alleviate anxiety and allowing the wearer to step out of their comfort zone more often.

Citrine helps cleanse the solar plexus chakra, which covers the pancreas, liver, stomach, and kidneys. The result of wearing citrine is that you will feel lighter, more energetic, and at peace. Furthermore, citrine birthstones boost immunity and overall metabolism, increasing energy and well-being. The mental healing properties of topaz and citrine include increased focus and mental clarity, as both gemstones enhance motivation and creativity.

Is your birthstone topaz or citrine?

Your birthstone is a choice between topaz and citrine. Both birthstones are recognized as the modern representatives for November. You can choose the stone you want to wear based on preferences and personal beliefs, but specific qualities about each stone separate them from the other and aid in your decision-making process. For example, your birthstone is topaz if you’re born under the sign of Scorpio. However, not all Scorpio individuals resonate with topaz and feel a pull toward the alternative choice, citrine. There is no harm in wearing both birthstones, even if the energies of citrine do not call to you. It just means you’re more likely to reap the benefits of topaz.

Who should not wear topaz and citrine?

People quick to anger or born under the Sagittarius zodiac should not wear topaz and citrine. Citrine birthstones amplify and expand energy, which could have ill effects on those with mood disturbances. Consider wearing an amethyst birthstone to promote calm if you struggle with anger management. Moreover, topaz birthstones are inauspicious for those born under the sign of Jupiter as Jupiter expands while Pluto, the planetary ruler of Scorpio, contracts. The planetary disturbance harbors detrimental consequences for Sagittarius individuals.