November birthstones: topaz and citrine
November’s two birthstones are both warm-toned but tell different stories. Topaz is harder (Mohs 8 vs 7) and far more variable in color; citrine is more affordable and uniformly cheerful.
The two options
| Hardness | Color | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz | 8 | Treated sky/Swiss/London blue, or natural imperial peach | Daily-wear durability. London blue is the most popular treated color. Imperial topaz is the premium natural choice. |
| Citrine | 7 | Pale lemon to deep cognac | Most affordable. Large clean stones widely available. Best in pendants and earrings or in protective ring settings. |
For a daily-wear ring, choose topaz. For a vivid yellow accent at a small budget, choose citrine. Most November-birthstone gifts default to blue topaz — it’s recognizable, affordable, and durable.
See the deeper guides: topaz and citrine.
Browse topaz
Browse citrine
More from the birthstones guides
Written by
Anna
Jeweler · Formi Jewelry
Anna works with Formi clients on stone selection, setting design, and fit — making sure every piece is right before it’s made.
Book a consultation with our in-house jewelersLast updated May 2026