November Birthstones
What is the November Birthstone?
There are two birthstones for November - Citrine and Topaz.
Once upon a time, citrine and topaz (as well as many other pale yellow stones) were often mistaken for each other and were quite interchangeable as gemstones before scientists could properly identify them as two completely different minerals.
Since just about all pale yellow gemstones were called Topaz no matter what they were in reality it makes sense to link both these autumnal colored stones to the month of November.
November Birthstone - Colors
Citrine
The name citrine is a clear clue as to the colors of this gemstone - yellow. However the yellow can range from a light lemony-yellow all the way to an almost earthy brown tone with some gorgeous orange colors in between.
Topaz
Topaz was once known as a yellowish or brownish gemstone although occasionally a clear or blue or pinkish stone would be provided by Mother Nature.
Imperial Topaz is a particular color of topaz that was once only found in the Ural Mountains of Russia with pinkish-orange tones that is by far the most valuable of all Topazes. Nowadays the Russian mines seem to have been depleted and the only source is Brazil.
Modern treatments such as irradiation and coating can create stunning blue and pink colors which have made Topaz one of the most popular gemstones in the world. Completely colorless topaz can make a great and affordable substitute for diamonds.
The November Birthstone Price
How expensive is Citrine?
The most important factor in determining the price of citrine is color. Almost all citrine gemstones have excellent clarity and are available in a wide range of sizes and cuts so the deciding element with these gemstones is the color.
Deeply colored citrines with saturated yellow or orange tones that have a pure and even color throughout the gemstone are the most valued. Very light or very dark citrines are valued slightly less but this can be a matter of personal taste.
All in all, citrines are a very affordable gemstone with smaller gemstones ranging from $4 to $30 per carat and bigger citrines above 10 carats in weight beginning at $4 per carat and perhaps reaching $40 per carat for an exceptional example.
Please refer to our full Citrine Info page for a more details.
How expensive is Topaz?
Blue topaz in all its various shades is a very popular and very affordable gemstone, much-loved by jewelers across the world for its regular supplies, great colors, excellent clarity and range of cuts and sizes. The lighter blue colors will range from $5 to $10 per carat for smaller sized stones and increase slightly for gemstones above 5 carats in weight.
The most expensive of the blue topazes is London Blue which can reach as much as $8 to $45 per carat for bigger sizes.
Imperial Topaz is a top grade, highly sought after gemstone which can range from $500 to $1500 per carat.
Colorless or White Topaz is an affordable alternative to diamonds.
For more details please refer to our full Topaz Info page here
What are the spiritual benefits of November Birthstones?
Citrine
Citrine’s sunny colors bring uplifting and positive feelings as soon as you see one so their spiritual benefits are fairly clear:
- Happiness and Joy
- Prosperity and Abundance
- Protection and Confidence
- Warmth and Generosity
See our detailed article on Citrine meaning and uses
Topaz
Topaz is probably best known for its calming and soothing qualities that can help reduce stress. It also has a number of other virtues:
- Love and Attraction
- Communication
- Stimulates and Motivates
- Truth and Forgiveness
See our detailed article on Topaz meaning and uses
The November Birthstones and the Chakras
Citrine
Citrine is an excellent Chakra gemstones with it powerful spiritual energy. It can be used to help realign two Chakras if they become blocked in any way. Citrines that are more orange in color are best for the Sacral Chakra while the yellow colors are better for the Solar Plexus Chakra.
Topaz
The color of your topaz will link it to particular Chakras and can be used to realign or unblock them.
- Clear or colorless Topaz - Crown Chakra
- Blue Topaz - Throat Chakra
- Imperial Topaz - Solar Plexus/Sacral Chakras
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
The November Birthstones Species
Citrine
Citrines are a type of quartz, which is a very popular gemstone type. This family includes such illustrious names as:
- Amethyst
- Smoky Quartz
- Rose Quartz
- Ametrine
Topaz
Topaz gemstones are all the same mineral with similar crystal structures and chemical ingredients. They are often separated into varieties by their color:
- Imperial Topaz - the most valuable topaz with peachy colors
- London Blue - a blue variety, with deep, navy blue colors
- Swiss Blue - a popular light blue topaz
- Mystic Topaz - a striking pink stone with a titanium coating
- Clear Topaz - colorless variety often used as a diamond substitute
The November Birthstone Treatments
Citrine
Citrine treatment is a tricky subject. We do know that real citrine exists but we are also aware that heating amethyst or smoky quartz can produce lovely yellow or orange quartz gemstones. Side by side it is impossible to tell the difference and even expensive laboratory processes cannot be certain.
Either way, the result is a gorgeous durable quartz gemstone that is ideal for jewelry or spiritual uses.
We will always disclose any treatments that we are aware of.
Topaz
Blue Topaz is almost always the result of irradiation and is a permanent and accepted treatment.
Mystic and Azotic Topaz have been treated with a special thin coating which creates the intense coloring.
Imperial Topaz is an all-natural untreated gemstone of the highest quality.
All treatments our Topaz gemstones receive will be fully disclosed on our product pages.
The November Birthstones History
Citrine
Citrine has a long history as a gemstone and as an amulet although it was not christened 'Citrine' until the 16th century. Before that it was simply yellow quartz or chrysolite (gold stone) and admired in Ancient Greece and Egypt.
It is thought to be one of the sacred 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate, which was mentioned in the bible and is a forerunner of the modern birthstones.
Topaz
As we have mentioned earlier, almost any yellowish gemstone could be called topaz in the days before they were geologically identified so their history can be a little foggy.
However Topaz was one of the 12 gemstone found on Aaron's breastplate in the Holy Bible and was also a revered gemstone in ancient Hindu philosophy or Navaratna - the nine stones that represents the heavenly bodies - Topaz was linked to Jupiter.
The orange-pink Imperial Topaz gemstones that were discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 19th century were named in honor of the ruling Czars.
Where are the November Birthstones found?
Citrine
The vast majority of Citrine is found in South America with Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay the main sources. Madagascar, the Congo, Russia and the US are also well-known producers.
Topaz
The biggest supplier of Topaz is Brazil, while Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the USA, Madagascar and Mozambique are also producers. The famous Imperial Topaz mines of Russia appear to have been exhausted.
What jewelry is the November Birthstones suitable for?
Citrine
Citrines are rated a durable 7 on Mohs hardness scale and can be used in all types of jewelry - even daily wear items. They are a very affordable gemstone so are ideal for imaginative or experimental designs.
Citrines can be found in impressive large sizes which are great for eye-catching pendants or brooches as well as matching pairs and lots for coordinated jewelry sets.
In addition to being the November birthstone, Citrines are also the traditional gemstone to celebrate the 13th wedding anniversary.
Topaz
Topaz is rated at a very durable 8 Mohs hardness scale so they are hard enough for all types of jewelry including daily wear items.
The excellent clarity, affordability, range of sizes and shapes and availability in matching single, pairs and lots make Topaz an almost ideal jeweler's gemstone.
In addition to being the November birthstone, Blue Topaz is also the traditional gemstone to celebrate the 4th wedding anniversary and Imperial Topaz is the perfect gift for the 23rd anniversary.
