November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. ✨ Topaz is the traditional stone, and citrine was added in 1952. Both glow in warm golden shades, and tradition gives each one a sunny wish. Topaz is the stone of strength and calm, and citrine is the stone of cheer and plenty. Our own November crystal necklace pairs the month with golden honey jade, a stone of happiness. You can't choose wrong, so pick the one that suits the person, their budget and the way they will wear it.
On this page: why two stones · topaz, citrine and honey jade · which to choose · gifts by budget · care · a birthday ritual · FAQ
Why does November have two birthstones? ⭐
Topaz came first. American jewellers set the first official birthstone list in 1912, and topaz was November's stone. When they updated the list in 1952, they added citrine. The two had been mixed up for centuries anyway. Before modern gem testing, golden citrine was often sold as topaz and was believed to share its powers.
Blue topaz is where people get confused. Topaz in every colour belongs to November, but many jewellers also name blue topaz as a December birthstone. So a sky-blue topaz is a true November stone that December happens to share. Our December birthstone guide tells it from the other side. If you want the classic November look, choose a golden stone.
Looking for another month? Every birthstone of the year is in our birthstones by month guide.
The November birthstones and what they mean 💎
Topaz: the stone of fire and strength
Topaz is the traditional November stone. Its name may come from tapas, the Sanskrit word for fire, or from the Greek topazos. It grows in many colours: clear, pale blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and, very rarely, red. The prized golden-to-pinkish-orange shade is called imperial topaz, a name tied to the royal family of Russia.
The old stories give topaz a brave heart. The ancient Greeks believed it gave them strength. In Europe from the 1300s to the 1600s, people thought topaz could break magic spells and cool anger. In India, a topaz worn above the heart was said to bring long life, beauty and a sharp mind. In crystal practice today it is a stone of calm confidence, for someone who meets life head-on.
Blue topaz and mystic topaz 💫
Most blue topaz you see today began as clear topaz. It was given its lasting blue by treatment with radiation and heat. Mystic topaz is clear topaz with a very thin coating on top, which gives it a rainbow of green, blue and violet as it turns. Both are real topaz, so both make a lovely November gift.
That mystic coating needs a gentle touch, and the care section below shows how. For a topaz lover who wants a ring-free gift, the blue topaz pendant in sterling silver is NZ$75.
Citrine birthstone: the sunshine stone ☀️
Citrine is golden quartz, from pale lemon to honey to deep orange. Its name may come from citron, the French word for lemon. In old lore it was said to soothe tempers and calm the wearer. Crystal lovers call it the merchant's stone and keep a piece by the till or in the wallet to draw abundance. In crystal practice it belongs to the solar plexus, the energy centre of confidence and will. It is the stone of joy, success, sunny self-belief and "there is plenty to share".
Citrine is 7 on the hardness scale and tough, so it happily lives on a busy hand. Our citrine meaning guide has its rituals and more lore.
Natural or heated citrine? 🔍
Here is a secret of the gem trade. Most citrine sold today started life as amethyst, mostly from Brazil, and was gently heated until it turned gold. Natural citrine is rare. Heated stones often have a deeper orange or reddish tint, while natural citrine tends to be a paler, softer yellow. That is only a hint, and only a gem lab can say for sure. Both are real quartz, and many crystal lovers feel heated citrine carries the warmth of its amethyst beginnings too.
Honey jade: the stone in our November crystal necklace
Honey jade is not one of the official birthstones. It is the stone we chose for our November crystal necklace, a warm golden stone with the glow of spring sunshine through a jar of honey.
The card that comes in its box calls it a stone of happiness. It says honey jade helps with positive change, offers hope through life's challenges, and is linked with vitality, stronger relationships, good fortune and prosperity. Around the stone sits a silver Tree of Life, which the card calls a symbol of a fresh start, positive energy and a bright future.
Topaz or citrine: which suits the way they live? 🎁
Every November stone carries a good wish, so choose by the person and the way it will be worn.
- For everyday wear: citrine. It is tough, bright and easy to care for, whether it sits in a ring, a pendant or a bead bracelet.
- For a go-getter, a new job or a small business: citrine, the merchant's stone.
- For someone facing a big challenge: topaz, the old stone of strength.
- For a colour lover: mystic topaz, with its rainbow flash.
- For a topaz lover: blue or mystic topaz, since golden topaz is not on our shelf right now.
- For a November and December couple, or a fourth wedding anniversary: blue topaz, which both months claim.
- For a 13th wedding anniversary: citrine, the gem of that year.
- For a first birthstone, a teenager or a friend: our honey jade November necklace.
We do not stock golden or imperial topaz at the moment. Our November shelf is citrine, blue and mystic topaz, and honey jade. In Aotearoa a November birthday falls in late spring, and golden citrine looks right at home against long, light evenings.
November birthstone gifts in New Zealand, by budget
- Under NZ$30: a citrine chip bracelet (about NZ$10), our November birthstone pendant with honey jade in a Tree of Life cage (NZ$22) or a citrine bead bracelet (from NZ$25).
- NZ$35 to NZ$85: a delicate citrine ring (NZ$35 to NZ$50 by size), a delicate blue topaz ring (NZ$50), the blue topaz pendant (NZ$75), the citrine teardrop ring with scroll detail (NZ$75), or an oval split-band ring in citrine, mystic topaz or blue topaz (NZ$85 each).
- NZ$100 and up: the citrine flower pendant (NZ$115). See every golden piece in our citrine collection.
Buying a ring but not sure of their size? Borrow a ring they already wear and follow our ring size guide. Citrine shades vary from lemon to honey, so you are welcome to compare a few under the lights at our Westfield Manukau shop. Can't make it in? We send November gifts all over Aotearoa.
Caring for November birthstones 🌿
Citrine is the easy one. Topaz is harder, 8 on the Mohs scale, but it can split along one flat plane if it takes a sharp knock, so slip a topaz ring off for gardening and the gym.
- Wash gently: warm soapy water and a soft brush suit both topaz and citrine.
- Mystic topaz is the exception: its thin coating can scratch and scrubbing wears it away. Use mild soap and a soft cloth only.
- No steam or sonic cleaners: heat and vibration can crack topaz along its weak plane, and steam can crack citrine.
- Avoid sudden heat: don't move a stone from a hot car to a cold tap, and keep it away from the stove.
- Mind the sun: long hours of strong sunlight can fade some golden citrine and topaz. Store them in a drawer, not on a sunny sill.
- Store apart: keep each piece in its own pouch so harder stones don't scratch softer ones or a mystic coating.
A little spring birthday ritual 🕯️
Golden stones love a golden hour. On the birthday morning, sit for a minute by a window as the early light comes in. Hold the citrine or topaz in your palm until it feels warm, then name one hope for the year ahead, such as a braver heart or a fuller table. Then wear it out the door. Giving it away? Write that hope on a small slip of paper and fold it into the gift box.
November birthstone questions
What is the November birthstone in New Zealand?
Topaz and citrine, the same two stones named around the world. Topaz is the traditional one, and citrine is the modern one, added in 1952. Our November crystal necklace uses golden honey jade. Whichever you choose, it carries November's warm wish of strength, cheer and good fortune.
What colour is the November birthstone?
November's colour is gold. Citrine runs from pale lemon to honey and deep orange. Topaz comes in golden, imperial orange-pink, blue and clear, and mystic topaz shows a rainbow. A golden stone is the classic choice, glowing like late spring sunshine.
What does the November birthstone mean?
November's stones share a theme of warmth and courage. Topaz is the stone of strength, said in old Europe to break spells and cool anger. Citrine is the merchant's stone of joy, success and plenty. Honey jade, in our necklace, is a stone of happiness and hope.
Can you wear a November birthstone every day?
Yes. Citrine is tough enough for a ring you never take off, and topaz is happy every day with a little care around hard knocks. Mystic topaz only asks for gentle cleaning. Wearing your stone daily keeps its sunny wish close, which is the whole joy of a birthstone.
Is my citrine real?
Very likely, yes. Most citrine on sale is real quartz that began as amethyst and was heated to gold, while untreated natural citrine is rare. Both are genuine citrine in the jewellery trade, and both carry its sunny lore. A gem lab can tell you which yours is.
Before you go
Topaz for strength, citrine for cheer and plenty, honey jade for hope. 🔮 Whichever golden stone you choose, it brings November's sunny wish to a late-spring birthday, and its story grows richer every year it is worn. Born in the darkest months instead? Meet the June birthstones, or step one month on to the December birthstones.
Sources
- GIA — November birthstones: topaz and citrine and citrine care and cleaning.
- International Gem Society — topaz; Geology.com — citrine; Gemdat — citrine and heated amethyst.
- Birthstone list history — National Jeweler; New Zealand seasons — NIWA.