Birthstone Origin

• According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, most gem scholars believe monthly birthstones are based on gems placed in the Breastplate of Aaron. Aaron was a high priest in Old Testament times. Aaron's breastplate was a garment for religious ceremonies set with 12 gemstones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel the 12 zodiac signs and 12 months of the year. But, there is no absolute agreement among scholars about which gemstones were placed in the breastplate or why, according to the website. Ancient people didn't always classify stones by mineral species, as is done today, and, as a result, different cultures around the world have different birthstone lists.
  
  

Modern November Birthstone

• The modern gem for November is considered topaz, both colorless and golden varieties. (Topaz is a fluorine aluminum silicate and often comes in shades of yellow.) According to Birthstones.org, the topaz symbolizes constancy, loyalty, faithfulness, friendship, strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions. Alternative birthstones for November are beryl, opal, amethyst, aquamarine and tourmaline.
  
  Topaz is on the Modern Birthstone List--the official birthstone list from the Jewelers of America, an association of professional jewelers. The list was officially adopted in 1912, according to JewelryMall.com. According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, though many cultures consider the topaz to be the November birthstone, the Hindu consider the birthstone to be the catseye.
  
  

Tradtional November Birthstone

• The traditional November birthstone is the citrine, which is actually yellow or golden yellow quartz, according to JewelryMall.com. Although its name is based on "citrus," the citrine is not often found in its light shades. It is usually found in a darker shade that can be mistaken for topaz. Citrine is found on the Traditional Birthstone List of the Jewelers of America, a list of birthstones that date back as far as the 15th century.
  
  

Birth Flower

• Chrysanthemums can symbolize cheerfulness.chrysanthemum image by Sammy from Fotolia.com
  
  According to Birthstones.org, the November birth flower is chrysanthemum, which is meant to symbolize "with love" and "cheerfulness." Chrysanthemums can be said to represent cheerfulness due to their large flower heads and the variety of bright and vivid colors they are found in, commonly shades of white, yellow, pink and red. Also nicknamed "mums," they are classic fall blooming flowers. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe.
  
  

Chrysanthemum Meanings

• A white chrysanthemum could also mean truth.chrysanthemum on sacking image by Tetiana Zbrodko from Fotolia.com
  
  There are also alternative meanings to the chrysanthemum as the birth flower of November. According to the Meaning of Flowers website, the birthday flower meaning of chrysanthemum is abundance and wealth, cheerfulness and "you are a wonderful friend." Also according to the website, the "meaning of a red chrysanthemum is love, a white one represents truth and a yellow one stands for slighted love."