November Babies: Two Stunning Birthstones to Celebrate Your Month

One stone is celebrated for its "protective and healing energy.

As autumn deepens and Thanksgiving nears, those born in November can take pride in having not one, but two beautiful golden birthstones: topaz and citrine. Both of these stones carry rich histories and are believed to attract prosperity and positive energy, making them a lucky addition to any November baby's life.

With both a primary (traditional) birthstone and a secondary (alternative) gem, there's a wealth of history, symbolism, and beauty to explore. Here’s a closer look at these fascinating gemstones that give extra sparkle to November birthdays.

November Birthstone Colors
The traditional November birthstone, topaz, is often thought of in cool blue hues. However, as Matt Harris, jewelry expert and historian, explains, topaz actually appears in an array of colors—including yellow, orange, green, red, purple, and even colorless varieties. Notably, the blue shade is often achieved through color treatment.

Where Is Topaz Found?
Topaz is mined worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan, and parts of the United States (particularly Utah and Colorado).

Is Topaz Rare?
While common topaz isn’t rare, there is a sought-after variety known as "Imperial topaz." This orangey-red gem, found mainly near Ouro Preto, Brazil, is one of the rarest and most prized types, even named in honor of Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro and cherished by Russian tsars.

Topaz in History
In ancient Egypt, topaz was revered as the stone of Ra, the Sun God, symbolizing life-giving energy. The Hindus and Greeks also believed in its healing and protective powers, adding to its mystique.

Citrine: November's Alternative Birthstone
Citrine, the secondary November birthstone, is known for its warm, sunny hues. Often found in shades of light to deep yellow, this gem radiates positivity, likened to sunflowers or flowing honey.

Where Is Citrine Found?
Citrine is predominantly mined in Brazil, with additional sources in Bolivia, Uruguay, Spain, and Madagascar.

Is Citrine Rare?
Natural citrine is actually quite rare; most citrine available today is heat-treated amethyst, a process used to achieve the gemstone's golden color.

Citrine in History
Citrine's bright appeal won over Queen Victoria, making it a prominent choice in Victorian jewelry. Known as "the merchant's stone," citrine was believed to attract prosperity—a belief that still finds a place in Feng Shui practices today, with citrine placed in areas meant to encourage wealth and success.

November's birthstones, topaz and citrine, each hold unique histories, vibrant colors, and a shared reputation for attracting abundance, making them ideal stones for those born in this season of gratitude.