Birthstones / November
November: Topaz, Citrine
Traditional: Topaz · Yellow, orange, blue (treated), colorless (topaz); yellow to orange (citrine) · Mohs 8 (topaz); 7 (citrine)
What it is
Topaz is an aluminum silicate; natural stones are mostly colorless, and the blue topaz in most jewelry is colorless topaz irradiated and heated, which is standard and must be disclosed. Imperial topaz (orange-pink) is the rare natural form. Citrine is yellow quartz; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst, which is also standard.
Care
Topaz: soap and water, avoid hard knocks (it cleaves). Citrine: anything.
Before you buy
Both are inexpensive in large sizes. 'Mystic topaz' is coated and the coating scratches off. A citrine with a deep orange and no brown is the better grade.
November pieces on the site
All birthstone pieces →Listings that name the month or its stone; whether the stone is natural, lab-grown or simulated is on each product page as the maker states it.
Sources: Jewelers of America modern birthstone list; GIA gem encyclopedia; FTC Jewelry Guides on treatment and lab-growth disclosure. Clasp & Lens does not appraise or grade stones; what a listing says is the supplier's statement.