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Writer's pictureMartha Edwards

November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

As a gemstone expert at Sennen Jewellery, I’m excited to share the beauty and meanings of November’s birthstones—topaz and citrine. Both of these stones offer a vibrant palette from the deep, rich blues of London blue topaz to the warm golden hues of natural citrine.


Each gemstone holds its own in terms of history, symbolism, and stunning visual appeal, making them excellent choices for both collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. The rising popularity and versatility of citrine jewellery, celebrated in various forms such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets, highlight its appeal and growing trend in the jewellery market.


November birthstones

November Birthstone: Key Points Summary:

  • Diverse Colours and Properties: Explore the rich colours of topaz including blue, imperial, and yellow, alongside the sunny shades of citrine.

  • Historical and Symbolic Significance: Uncover the meanings and past uses of these captivating gems.

  • Modern Applications in Jewellery: Discover how these gems are used in today's jewellery designs.

  • Famous and Valuable Stones: Learn about some of the most notable and valuable topaz and citrine stones in the world.


The Physical and Chemical Properties of November Birthstones

november birthstones
Ocean Droplet Topaz hoops

The Traditional November Birthstone: Topaz

Widely regarded as the traditional November birthstone, Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, celebrated for its impressive hardness and vibrant colour spectrum.


This gem can appear in a range of natural shades from colourless to deep hues, and is often treated to enhance or change its colour.






  • Hardness: Topaz is valued for its durability, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for all types of jewellery.

  • Colour Varieties: Natural topaz can be colorless but is commonly treated to achieve a spectrum of colours including the dazzling 'Mystic Topaz', which showcases metallic rainbow hues due to a special coating.

  • Treatment Methods: The process often involves irradiation followed by heat to enhance blue and multicoloured effects. Treating colorless topaz to create 'Mystic' topaz involves using chemical vapor deposition or a thin coating to produce a metallic rainbow inside the stone, resulting in colours like teal, red, and green that change with the light.

  • Notable Sources: While topaz occurs globally, Topaz Mountain in Utah is renowned for its rich deposits of sherry-coloured topaz crystals. This locale is a favorite among gem enthusiasts who often partake in public digs, offering a hands-on experience in finding and collecting natural topaz gems.


november birthstones
Daffodil pendant with citrine

The Modern November Birthstone: Citrine

Citrine, a variety of quartz known as the "healing quartz," is another November birthstone. It naturally occurs in shades from pale yellow to a deep, rich orange.


  • Natural Occurrence: Citrine's warm tones come from trace amounts of iron, and it's most vibrant in its unheated form, sourced from locales like Russia and Madagascar.

  • Natural Colour: Unlike many gemstones, citrine is rarely treated, which makes natural citrine highly valued for its purity and beauty. Specifically, unheated citrine, found in Russia and Madagascar, contrasts with the heat-treated amethyst that is the source of most citrine found in Brazil

  • Uses and Beliefs: Known for encouraging vitality and wellness, citrine is popular in jewellery for its uplifting colour and supposed health benefits. Most commercially available citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, typically from Brazil, which offers a more affordable yet equally stunning alternative.


The History of November Birthstones

Topaz has been one of the most important gemstones throughout history, valued by Egyptian pharaohs and medieval European royalty alike for its believed ability to strengthen the intellect and ward off evil. Imperial topaz, with its magnificent red, pink, and orange hues, was particularly valued by Russian tsars in the 17th century and remains highly prized today.


Citrine has been used decoratively for thousands of years and was particularly popular in the romantic Victorian era when it was often given as a gift symbolizing unwavering affection. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.


The Many Colours of Topaz and Citrine

November birthstones

Imperial topaz is perhaps the most prestigious type of topaz, with its colours ranging from a vivid burnt orange to rich golden yellow, often with a pink undertone. Golden topaz, a rare and highly saturated variety, is often compared to Imperial topaz for its striking golden hue.


Meanwhile, yellow topaz radiates cheerful tones from pale lemon to deep amber. Blue topaz, which is typically treated, shows a spectrum from the light sky blue to the deep and intense London blue.


Pink topaz, one of the rarest and most prized colours, offers a beautiful and romantic look, resembling more costly gems like pink diamonds and pink sapphire, but at a more affordable price point.


Citrine showcases colours that make it perfect for anyone seeking a touch of sunshine in their jewellery. Its hues can vary from pale yellow, reminiscent of a lemon zest, to a dark amber shade, akin to fine aged brandy.


The variety of topaz gems, including yellow, Imperial, pink, and mystic topaz, highlights the diversity in colours and treatments, showcasing the gemstone's versatility and affordability.


Famous and Valuable Citrine and Topaz

One of the most famous citrines is the massive 20,000-carat stone found in Brazil, known as the “Sul America.” It was cut from a large crystal in the 1930s and remains a stunning example of citrine’s potential in size and colour.

November birthstones
El-Dorado Topaz. Image: Smithsonian Institute

The “El-Dorado Topaz” is another breathtaking gemstone, weighing an incredible 31,000 carats. Discovered in Brazil, this enormous yellow topaz gem exemplifies the grandeur that topaz can achieve.








Wearing topaz carries a wealth of historical and cultural symbolism, from attracting wealth to symbolizing health and strength. It's advised to wear topaz jewellery with care to maintain its stunning appearance, embodying both the gemstone's durability and its deep-rooted significance in various traditions.


Conclusion

November's birthstones, topaz and citrine, are as rich in history as they are in colour and appeal. At Sennen Jewellery, we take pride in crafting pieces that not only highlight the inherent beauty of these gemstones but also resonate with the stories and energies they carry.


Whether you are seeking a piece of jewellery with a topaz or citrine, or simply wish to learn more about these fascinating gems, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the perfect expression of style and tradition for your personal taste.

November birthstones
Ocean Soul Topaz Ring and Pendant

FAQs: November Birthstones


What Makes Blue Topaz a Popular Choice for November Birthstone Jewellery?

Blue Topaz is favored for its versatility and availability in a range of blue shades. From the pale Sky Blue Topaz to the deep London Blue Topaz, this gem can match any style or occasion, making it a popular choice among jewellery designers and enthusiasts.


How Does Imperial Topaz Differ from Other Varieties?

Imperial Topaz stands out with its unique pinkish-orange hues, a rarity in the gem world that commands high admiration and value. Its rich colour spectrum makes it a standout piece in any jewellery collection.


Why Is Yellow Topaz Considered Special?

Yellow Topaz, with its bright and inviting colour, is often associated with joy and energy. Its ability to reflect light beautifully makes it a perfect gem for statement pieces that seek to capture the essence of sunlight.


How Can You Tell the Difference Between Citrine, Yellow Sapphire, and Yellow Topaz?

While citrine, yellow coloured sapphire, and yellow topaz share similar hues, they each have distinctive characteristics that can help differentiate them:

  • Hardness: Yellow sapphire scores a 9 on the Mohs scale, making it significantly harder than both citrine (7) and yellow topaz (8). This makes yellow coloured sapphire more resistant to scratching and wear.

  • Refractive Index: Yellow coloured sapphire has a higher refractive index than citrine or yellow topaz, which means it exhibits more brilliance and sparkle.

  • Clarity and Inclusions: Citrine often contains fewer inclusions and has a consistent colour. Yellow coloured sapphire may have visible inclusions, while yellow topaz can sometimes show long tubular inclusions or other unique patterns.

  • Density and Weight: Yellow coloured sapphire is denser than both citrine and yellow topaz, so a sapphire will weigh more than a similarly sized citrine or topaz.

  • Colour: Although citrine and yellow topaz are often heat-treated to enhance colour, their shades are generally lighter compared to the intense yellow hues of yellow coloured sapphire, which are often naturally occurring.

  • Price: Yellow coloured sapphire typically commands a higher price due to its rarity and durability, while citrine is generally more affordable.


Consulting a reputable gemologist or jeweller can help you correctly identify these stones and understand their unique characteristics.

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