Citrine
Everything you need to know about the birthstone for November
Those born in November are lucky enough to have two stunning gems as their birthstones. One is topaz, which comes in a variety of colours, and the other is sunny citrine.
Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz, and Its warm colour is said to be a gift from the sun, making this golden gemstone the perfect option for brightening up a typically chilly autumnal month. Citrine has been a popular decorative gemstone since ancient times. Bearing such a resemblance to yellow topaz, it’s not surprising the two November birthstones share a history of mistaken identity and both are thought to carry similar powers. For some, citrine is considered a healing gemstone – calming, soothing and comforting.
It is also said to spark imagination and encourage fresh beginnings and prosperity. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. The Egyptians were among the first to discover the yellow stone and used the gems as talismans. The ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them and shaped them into rock crystal ornaments, while Roman priests made them into rings.
Between 300 and 150 BC they were found on the handles of swords and daggers in Scotland. While thought to be added for decorative purposes, the stone was also considered as protection. Today, citrine is known as the ‘merchant’s stone’ and is associated with success and wealth.
Citrine is also believed to have many positive physical attributes, including stimulating digestion, the spleen and the pancreas and is said to help with eye problems, increase blood circulation and reverse degenerative diseases. Importantly, its radiant warmth is said to help those that suffer with seasonal affective disorder.
The yellow colour is caused by traces of iron in the quartz. This occurs very rarely in nature, so most citrine is made by heat-treating other varieties of quartz - usually purple amethyst or smoky quartz, which are both more common and less expensive. By applying heat to these gems, they turn from their original colour to a gorgeous shade of gold. Natural citrine is almost always a pale-yellow colour and commands a far higher price than the processed variety. The most sought-after citrine gemstones are a clear, radiant yellow-to-brownish-red colour, however this is particularly rare for naturally-occurring citrine.
This rarity means that the natural stones that fall into this colour category have a particularly high price tag. The most abundant sources of natural citrine are found in Bolivia, Madagascar, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay. Amethysts that are heat-treated to a golden colour are mostly mined in Brazil, although other sources include France, Russia and the US, specifically California, Colorado and North Carolina.
Citrine is fairly easy to come by, relatively affordable and available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including very large sizes, making it suitable for large pendants and statement jewellery. It ranks a seven out of 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is relatively durable against scratches and everyday wear and tear.
The gemstone was particularly popular in the Art Deco era in the early 20th century, when Hollywood movie stars including Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford were known to wear large and elaborate citrine-adorned jewellery. More recently, celebrities including Emma Watson, Kate Winslet, Naomie Harris and Tara Reid have all been photographed wearing beautiful citrine jewellery at red carpet events.
Citrine is a powerful yellow quartz known as the "merchant's stone" or "stone of joy," primarily used to attract wealth, prosperity, and success. It promotes positive energy, boosts self-confidence, enhances creativity, and helps reduce anxiety and depression, fostering a sunny, motivated outlook.
Key benefits of Citrine include:
Financial & Career Success: Often used in business to attract abundance and increase cash flow.
Emotional & Mental Well-being: It acts as a mood lifter, clearing negativity, reducing fears, and promoting joy and confidence.
Physical Healing: Traditionally linked to improved digestion, reduced chronic fatigue, and balanced thyroid function.
Energy & Creativity: Known for increasing motivation and mental clarity, making it excellent for artistic pursuits.
Metaphysical Properties: Associated with the solar plexus chakra, it enhances personal power and encourages optimistic, proactive thinking.
Citrine (Sunela) is primarily recommended for Sagittarius (Dhanu) and Pisces (Meena) Rashi, as it is ruled by Jupiter. It acts as a powerful alternative to Yellow Sapphire, enhancing wisdom, prosperity, and career success. It is also beneficial for Aries, Leo, and Scorpio, often worn as a November birthstone.
Key Rashi and Astrological Associations:
Best Suited (Dhanu/Meena): Raghav Creations recommend this for Sagittarius (Dhanu) and Pisces (Meena) to strengthen Jupiter in the horoscope.
Other Beneficial Rashi: Aries (Mesha), Cancer (Karka), Leo (Simha), and Scorpio (Vrishchik) can also wear it to gain benefits.
Best Practices for Wearing:
Metal: Gold is the preferred metal for setting.
Day: Thursday mornings, during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon).
Finger: Index finger of the right hand.

• Financial & Career Success: Often used in business to attract abundance and increase cash flow.


• Emotional & Mental Well-Being: It acts as a mood lifter, clearing negativity, reducing fears, and promoting joy and confidence.


• Physical Healing: Traditionally linked to improved digestion, reduced chronic fatigue, and balanced thyroid function.


• Energy & Creativity: Known for increasing motivation and mental clarity, making it excellent for artistic pursuits.


• Metaphysical Properties: Associated with the solar plexus chakra, it enhances personal power and encourages optimistic, proactive thinking.


• Feature: Citrine (Sunela) is primarily recommended for Sagittarius (Dhanu) and Pisces (Meena) Rashi, as it is ruled by Jupiter. It acts as a powerful alternative to Yellow Sapphire, enhancing wisdom, prosperity, and career success. It is also beneficial for Aries, Leo, and Scorpio, often worn as a November birthstone.