November might bring shorter days and chilly mornings, but its birthstones bring a welcome splash of colour. Meet topaz and citrine: two gemstones with plenty of warmth, fascinating histories and a few surprises up their sleeves.
Both are associated with November birthdays, and while they share a love of golden hues, they have very different stories to tell. So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable and let’s take a closer look at these two autumnal favourites.
If someone asked you to picture topaz, there’s a good chance you’d imagine a sparkling blue gemstone. Blue topaz is certainly popular, but this versatile mineral comes in a much wider range of colours, including colourless, yellow, orange, pink, violet and brown. Naturally red topaz is exceptionally rare.
One of the most prized varieties is Imperial topaz, known for its rich golden-orange to pinkish-orange shades. Of course this might be my favourite!
Topaz has a long and colourful history. The ancient Greeks believed it could give strength, while people in medieval Europe associated it with protection and the ability to calm anger. As with many historical gemstone beliefs, these are fascinating traditions rather than scientifically proven effects.
Imperial topaz has its own particularly interesting story. One explanation for its name links it to Russian royalty, who were said to have reserved the finest-coloured stones for themselves. Another account connects the name with Brazilian Emperor Pedro II and an 1881 visit to the topaz-mining region around Ouro Preto.
Whichever story you favour, Imperial topaz certainly sounds like a gemstone that knows how to make an entrance.
Here’s something that might surprise you: much of the blue topaz used in jewellery today starts life as colourless topaz. Treatments involving irradiation and heating produce the blue shades we commonly see.
This doesn’t make the gemstone any less real. It simply shows how gemmology and modern techniques can influence a gemstone’s appearance.
Topaz also scores 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it relatively resistant to scratching. However, hardness isn’t the same as toughness, and topaz can chip or split if struck in the wrong place. A little care goes a long way.
If topaz is the gemstone with a royal reputation, citrine is the one that brings its own little ray of sunshine.
Citrine is a yellow to brownish-orange variety of quartz, with colours ranging from pale lemon to rich honey and deep amber. Its warm shades feel particularly at home in November, when the last golden leaves are clinging to the trees and the evenings are drawing in.
Even its name has a sunny connection. Citrine is thought to derive from citron, the French word for lemon. It’s a fitting name for a gemstone that can look as though it’s captured a little autumn sunshine.
Citrine has been used in jewellery for centuries, but it became especially popular in colourful Scottish jewellery during the Victorian era.
Its golden tones worked beautifully alongside the rich colours and intricate designs favoured at the time. Citrine remains a popular choice today, thanks to its cheerful colour range and versatility in jewellery.
I have included Citrine in my Gemstone Rings and if I do say so myself it’s a stunning colour.
But did you know that much of the citrine available commercially is produced by heat-treating amethyst, another variety of quartz?! The process changes the purple material into yellow or orange tones.
Natural citrine does exist, but it is less commonly encountered in the marketplace than heat-treated material. If you’re buying a gemstone, it’s always worth asking about its origin and any treatments it may have received.
Citrine measures 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It’s suitable for many types of jewellery, including rings, pendants and earrings, provided it’s treated with reasonable care.
It’s easy to see why these two gemstones have sometimes been confused. Both can display beautiful golden and orange shades, and historically the names have occasionally been used interchangeably in jewellery.
However, they are completely different minerals.
Topaz is a distinct mineral in its own right, while citrine is a variety of quartz. Topaz can also appear in a much broader range of colours, including blue and pink, whereas citrine is best known for its yellow-to-orange palette.
There are differences in their physical properties, too. Topaz is harder, scoring 8 on the Mohs scale, while citrine scores 7. But that doesn’t automatically mean topaz is the tougher gemstone: its tendency to split along particular internal planes means it needs careful handling.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Topaz: A mineral available in a wide range of colours, including blue, pink and orange.
Citrine: A yellow-to-orange variety of quartz, often found in warm honey and amber shades.
Hardness: Topaz scores 8 on the Mohs scale; citrine scores 7.
Treatments: Much blue topaz is treated to achieve its colour, while much commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
So, next time you see a golden gemstone, don’t be too quick to guess its identity. A closer look might be needed!
Like many gemstones, topaz and citrine have collected a wealth of stories and symbolic associations over the centuries.
Topaz has traditionally been linked with strength, protection and calm, while citrine has often been associated with happiness, warmth and prosperity. Their golden colours have also made them natural symbols of sunlight and abundance.
Of course, you don’t have to believe in gemstone symbolism to appreciate these stones. Sometimes a colour simply makes you smile, or a particular gemstone reminds you of a favourite season, person or place. That’s reason enough to love it.
For November birthdays, having two birthstones also means there’s more room to choose something personal. You might prefer the rich orange of Imperial topaz, the cool sparkle of blue topaz or the honeyed glow of citrine.
There’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing the colour you love most.
Both gemstones can last for years with the right care, but a few simple habits will help keep them looking their best.
For both topaz and citrine, warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth are good starting points. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Topaz needs particular care because it can chip or split if knocked. Avoid steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners, and store it separately from other jewellery to reduce the risk of scratches or damage.
Citrine is a little less hard but generally has good toughness. It still benefits from being removed before activities that could expose it to knocks, harsh chemicals or extreme heat.
If your jewellery contains other materials, such as copper, silver or additional gemstones, remember that each material may need its own care routine.
A little attention now can help your favourite pieces stay part of your collection for years to come.
You can find out more hints and tips on how to care for your jewellery at my jewellery care web page where you can download my free PDF on caring for your jewellery.
Whether you’re drawn to topaz’s remarkable range of colours or citrine’s warm, sunny glow, November’s birthstones offer plenty to explore.
From the royal tales surrounding Imperial topaz to the surprising journey of amethyst becoming citrine, these gemstones are a reminder that there’s often more to a stone than meets the eye.
And perhaps that’s one of the best things about gemstones: every colour, cut and tiny detail has a story behind it.
If you’re looking for something with a little natural character, take a look at the gemstone jewellery collection at Rock & Rose Jewellery. You might just find a new favourite.
Curious about the other months and their gemstones? Visit our History of Birthstones guide.
Author
Discover October’s colourful birthstones, opal and tourmaline. Explore their history, fascinating facts, meanings and what makes these gemstones so special.
Think sapphire and blue probably springs to mind. But September’s birthstone comes in a whole rainbow of colours. Discover fancy sapphires, beautiful lapis lazuli and the story behind our new Egyptian Ankh Necklace.
Bright, fresh and unmistakably green, peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in just one colour. From soft olive to vibrant lime, its
Few gemstones command attention quite like the ruby. With its rich pinky red colour and remarkable durability, ruby has captivated people for thousands of years.
