November's Birthstone:
Citrine or Yellow Topaz

10K Gold Citrine Stud Earrings

The traditional november birthstone is Citrine, but the mystical tradition has the pearl and the Ayurvedics use the Topaz. Other traditions use the Diamond (which isn't a bad gem to use for just about anything. )  

Way back when citrine was carried to protect against evil thoughts and snake venom. In modern times, people who use crystals for healing use Citrine for upliftment. Citrine encourages the yellow ray to support the body. This stone also helps one process energy work.

Citrine is a quartz crystal, or cluster of quartz crystals, that is orange to yellow in color. As such, while being a very pretty stone it's not in the same class as diamonds and rubies. Usually citine, in its natural form, is actually a paler yellow. Heating darkens the color and give it the more desireable orange/yellow color. For this reason citrine jewelry should be kep away from prolonged expusure to light or heat.

Amethyst is also a variety of quartz and sometimes amethysts of so-so quality are cooked to get the yellow color of citrine.

One major advantage to quartz, of course, is that it's quite affordable. Even fine quality citrine will command a price far less than the finer gemstones, but it will still be beautiful. 

Citrine Gems and Citrine Jewelry