What Is My Birthstone?
November Birthstone: Topaz, Citrine
Topaz, Citrine
November has two birthstones in warm colors: topaz, the traditional stone, and citrine, the yellow-to-orange variety of quartz. Both were historically confused with each other, and the name topaz was once applied to any golden gem.
Topaz is hard (Mohs 8) and comes in many colors; the golden orange imperial topaz from Brazil is the most prized, while blue topaz is almost always colorless topaz that has been irradiated and heated. Citrine is softer (7) and much more affordable, and most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
If you want a genuine natural yellow stone on a budget, look for citrine with a pale lemon color rather than the deep reddish orange that usually signals heated amethyst.
November birthstones at a glance
- Modern birthstones: Topaz, Citrine
- Traditional birthstone: Topaz
- Color: golden yellow to orange, also blue, pink and colorless
- Traditionally associated with warmth, abundance and good cheer
About Topaz
Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral prized for its hardness and brilliant colors. Imperial topaz (orange-pink) from Brazil is most valuable.
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
| Mohs hardness | 8 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Perfect basal |
- The largest cut topaz is the 'El-Dorado Topaz' at 31,000 carats
- Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that's been irradiated
- Ancient Greeks believed it gave them strength
How to tell real Topaz at a glance
- Color: Colorless, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Vitreous. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Transparent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 8. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for November?
The modern November birthstone is Topaz, Citrine.
What color is the November birthstone?
Topaz is golden yellow to orange, also blue, pink and colorless.
What is the difference between topaz and citrine?
Topaz is a separate mineral, harder (8) and denser, with perfect cleavage. Citrine is yellow quartz (7). Side by side, topaz feels noticeably heavier for its size.
Is blue topaz natural?
Natural blue topaz exists but is very pale. Nearly all vivid blue topaz sold today is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and heated; it is real topaz with treated color.
