What Is the Traditional Birthstone of November?

Birthstones are gemstones given as a gift that symbolize the birth month of the receiver. The traditional birthstone of November is topaz, which is said to have benefits for its wearer.

Significance

The traditional birthstone of November is topaz, which ranges in color from brownish yellow to a bright yellow. Tiffany and Co. started assigning particular gemstones to different months based on poems in the Gregorian calendar.

History

Ancient Egyptians believed topaz was the glow cast by the sun god Ra; Greeks thought it increased strength, while Romans thought it improved eyesight. During the Middle Ages, topaz was believed to heal certain disorders and prevent death.

Benefits

Topaz is said to possess positive benefits for its wearer. These include charisma, increased attraction, confidence, protection against envy and disease and metabolism activation.

Geography

Most of today's topaz used for birthstones comes from Brazil and to a lesser extent in the United States, Pakistan, Mexico and Japan.

Considerations

The modern version of the November birthstone is citrine, which was adopted by the American Jeweler's Association in 1912.

References

• The Real November Birthstone: Citrine or Topaz?
• November Birthstone: Citrine
• Yellow Topaz or Citrine, Birthstone for November

Resources

• birthstones.org.uk: November Birthstone