Born in November? You're lucky enough to have two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both glow with warm, golden colours, like late-afternoon sunlight, which makes them a perfect match for spring days in Australia and for anyone who loves warm, sunny tones.
Here's everything you need to know about the November birthstones, plus a full birthstone chart for every month.
What is the November birthstone?
November has two birthstones:
- Topaz: best known in golden yellow, orange and sherry tones, and also popular in blue.
- Citrine: a yellow to amber-orange variety of quartz, named after the French word for lemon, citron.
Topaz: strength and calm
Topaz has been admired for centuries. Traditionally, it has been associated with strength, calm and clarity of mind, and many cultures linked its golden colour with the warmth of the sun.
- Colours: golden, orange, sherry, pink and, very popular today, blue.
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale, so it's durable enough for everyday jewellery, although it can chip if knocked hard.
- Good to know: most blue topaz on the market gets its colour through treatment.
Citrine: joy and positive energy
Citrine is often called the "merchant's stone" and is traditionally associated with joy, optimism, success and positive energy. Its sunny colour makes it one of the happiest gemstones to wear.
- Colours: pale lemon to deep amber and honey.
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; a good everyday stone.
- Good to know: natural citrine is relatively rare, and much of the citrine available is heat-treated quartz.
Birthstone chart: every month
| Month | Birthstone | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red |
| February | Amethyst | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine, bloodstone | Sea blue |
| April | Diamond | Clear |
| May | Emerald | Green |
| June | Pearl, moonstone, alexandrite | White, shimmering |
| July | Ruby | Red |
| August | Peridot, spinel, sardonyx | Lime green |
| September | Sapphire | Blue |
| October | Opal, tourmaline | Play of colour, pink |
| November | Topaz, citrine | Golden, orange |
| December | Turquoise, tanzanite, zircon | Blue |
Fun facts: June's birthstone is the pearl (read our guide to the types of pearls), and December's includes turquoise. Natural zircon, one of December's stones, is a different mineral from cubic zirconia, the lab-made stone often used in jewellery.
November birthday gift ideas
Keep the month that matters close
Looking for something personal for a November birthday? The Polaris Month of Love Necklace is a gold-tone bar engraved with the month of your choice (choose "November"), finished with a small stone detail. It's not a birthstone necklace, but a simple, meaningful way to celebrate the month someone was born. Read more in our guide to month necklaces for birthdays and anniversaries.
Wear November's golden glow
Love the warm colours of topaz and citrine? Golden tones are easy to wear every day:
- The Solis Tiger Eye Earrings frame warm, honey-brown tiger eye stones in a sunburst-inspired gold setting.
- The Golden Orchard Earrings pair a radiant golden crystal centre with green enamel leaves.
Explore more meaningful pieces in our Bloom (Birth Stone) collection.
How to care for topaz and citrine
- Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then dry well.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals.
- Store away from long periods of strong sunlight, which can fade some treated stones over time.
- Keep them separate from harder stones, such as diamonds, which can scratch them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for November?
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both are known for warm, golden and orange colours.
Is blue topaz a November birthstone?
Yes. Topaz is November's birthstone in all its colours, including blue, although golden and orange topaz are the most traditional.
What's the difference between topaz and citrine?
They are different minerals. Topaz is harder (8 on the Mohs scale) and comes in many colours, while citrine is a yellow-orange variety of quartz (7 on the Mohs scale).
Which birthstone should I choose for a November birthday?
Choose citrine for a bright, cheerful look, golden topaz for a richer, more classic feel, or blue topaz for someone who loves cool tones.
Happy birthday to all the November souls: may your year glow as warmly as your birthstones.