November Birthstone Color – The Complete Guide

THE BASICS --

When the November birthstone citrine is brought to mind for a fine piece of jewelry, an autumnal shade of yellow-orange is the first hue pictured. This lovely gemstone can actually be far more colorful than many people realize, however, providing many beautiful options for stunning November birthstone jewelry. Furthermore, there are alternative gems associated with November that come in their own range of gorgeous hues. Which one you pick will depend on your color preference and what appeals most to you to celebrate any birthday, special occasion, anniversary, or 'just because' in November.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• The November Birthstone and it's Stunning Colors
• Alternative November Birthstone Colors
• Choosing the Best Color for You

The November Birthstone and Its Stunning Colors

Citrine, a type of quartz, is the official birthstone of November. The characteristic yellow shade of the stone is caused by iron inclusions within the crystal structure, and the intensity and exact hue will depend on the amount of iron and how it is positioned.

The intensity of citrine varies from a pale, light wash of yellow to bright, bold shades to deeper, rich hues with undertones of red or brown that further intensify the color. Overall, the gem has a citrus-like vibe, hence its name – citrine.

This jewel can go by many descriptive names depending on the exact color and vibrancy of the stone. Lemon, amber, honey, sunshine, golden, and dandelion are all types of citrine that evoke specific shades of yellow for these lovely gems.

The cut of any specific, individual citrine can also influence its color by how much light is
permitted into the stone, adding sparkle and fire to any hue. More brilliant cuts with extra facets can brighten a stone, while more subdued cuts or steps bring depth to the gem, drawing the eye into a deeper, richer color.

Alternative November Birthstone Colors

While the classic yellow-orange of citrine is most commonly associated with November, there are alternative birthstones for the eleventh month of the year, each one offering different colors to enjoy.

Topaz is one of the most common alternatives, and ironically, the yellow-orange classic shade of topaz is most frequently associated with November. This gem, however, comes in an even wider variety of colors, including white, pink, green, and even a “mystic” coloration with rainbow-like multi-tonal shades. The only topaz color that cannot be substituted for the November birthstone is blue topaz, which is already one of the official birthstones for December.

Another gorgeous option for November birthstones is the pearl. While not a faceted crystalline gem, pearls also come in many shades ranging from white and cream to shades of brown, bronze, yellow, gold, peach, lavender, gray, blue, purple, and black. The rich luster of a pearl also gives each one an iridescent tone that adds even more subtlety to individual colors.

Finally, cat’s eye is also considered a unique option for a November birthstone. While most often referring to chrysoberyl fashioned as a polished cabochon to show off the unique concentrated band of light that bisects the stone, other gems may also show a cat’s eye configuration. Available in blue, red, green, yellow, pink, purple, brown, and orange options, there is literally a cat’s eye gem in any preferred color. Just like with other gems, the overall intensity – both of the gem as well as the unique inclusion that gives it the cat’s eye name – can vary.