Their rich golden hues make them the perfect gemstones for those born in the late autumn month of November.

The birthstones for the month of November are distinctly different but to the general public they are practically indistinguishable.

Topaz is a hard semiprecious stone that comes in a variety of colours like blue and pink. But it is the yellow/orange coloured gem that is most recognised.

Named after an island in the Red Sea called Topazios, topaz was revered by ancient Egyptians who believed that its golden glow symbolised their Sun God `Ra'.

The Greeks called on topaz to give them strength and during the Middle Ages the gem was believed to be a guardian angel which could make anyone wearing the stone invisible in emergencies.

And it has long been held that the gem, which is found in Africa, Brazil and China, promotes faithfulness and cures insomnia.

Topaz is often confused with the other birthstone for the month of November -- the yellow-brown variety of quartz known as citrine.

Allan Porter of Solomon's Fine Jewellers on Front Street said it is very difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference between citrine and topaz.

"Topaz is one of those stones that have a bright, lively look -- an extra sparkle,'' he explained. "Smoky quartz or citrine does not have that sparkle.

"That is about the only possible clue whether a gemstone is citrine or topaz.

Sometimes it can be very hard to tell.'' And Heidi Pengelly of Astwood Dickinson said it has become quite common for citrine to be used in place of topaz.

"The topaz is more of a clear stone,'' Ms Pengelly explained. "Citrine is in fact heat treated amethyst.'' Experts say that it is rare to find naturally coloured quartz in shades of yellow, thus most of the citrine on the market today is heat treated.

According to folklore, citrine is said to help individuals connect to their spirit and is a symbol of hope, youth, health and fidelity.

"Both are in the same price range so it is really up to the customer's taste which stone they prefer,'' Ms Pengelly added. "They are very reasonable. In fact they are one of the more reasonable stones you can buy.'' A Crissons' representative echoed Ms Pengelly's comments on the affordability of both yellow gems.

"It is a semiprecious stone so compared to diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires it is less expensive,'' the spokesperson said.

Regardless which stone you prefer, as long as it is a quality stone, both gems will stand the test of time.

"Look at the way the light reflects through the stone,'' Ms Pengelly explained. "A good cut and colour are especially important with gem stones.'' Topaz should never receive ultrasonic or steam cleaning, but it can be washed in warm soapy water.

Here are some other guidelines from the Jewellers of America Inc. for caring for topaz, citrine and other gemstones: Keep your jewellry separate when you out it away. Never let one item touch another and always put it on soft fabric; Apply your cologne and toiletries before you out on your jewellry; Clean your jewellry regularly and ask your jeweller about the proper cleaning methods; and Bring you gemstones to your jeweller every year to check that the stones are secure in their settings.

CITRINE -- This gem is a common replacement for yellow topaz and can also be considered the birthstone for November. Pictured is a citrine and gold bracelet from Astwood Dickinson.

Photos by Ras Mykkal GEM-TASTIC -- Few may know that citrine is in fact an amethyst which has been heat treated. This 59 carat stone, from at Solomon's Fine jewellers, is half citrine and half amethyst.