Topaz: Birthstone for November

If you were born in November, you're lucky to have one of the most durable minerals, an 8 on the Mohs scale, as your birthstone. Topaz comes in many colors including blue, green, pink, red, yellow and brown, although some topaz is completely clear of color. It's rare to find a natural pink topaz. They are usually created through heat treatment of yellow or brown gemstones.

Similarly many of the blue topaz are created from irradiation of clear gemstones. There is an orange-red topaz called the "Imperial" but it is extremely rare.

This is a highly desirable gem due to its quality to remain unscarred by time and wear. It is also the anniversary stone for the fourth and nineteenth years of marriage, as well as the state gemstone of both Texas and Utah.

It is not certain whether the "topaz" name came from the Sanskrit word for fire, "tapas" or the Greek term for "green gem" which is "topazos." There is also an island called "topazos" in the Red Sea.

Topaz is mined in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tasmania and Russia. In Germany, small crystals of the most well-known yellow topaz were mined for over 60 years from their rock called the Schneckenstein, a kind of rock in which topaz was embedded. It's also mined in the United States in California, Colorado, Maine Utah, and New Hampshire. It can grow in huge crystals, mainly in veins or cavities of granite and rhyolite and is a transparent, vitreous stone.

Topaz has been documented for over 2000 years. It is referred to in the book of Exodus as one of twelve stones displayed on the breastplates of angels guarding the gates to Paradise.

In ancient history a falcon carved on a topaz was thought to impress royalty and was highly sought after. The Greeks felt that it symbolized strength and prowess. In the ancient world, topaz was also believed to ward off poisons, death and disease both mental and physical. It also was known to promote fertility in women. Ancient Romans offered the gem in dedication to Jupiter.

Russian czarinas of the 18th and 19th century wore jewelry featuring pink and red topaz. The most famous topaz is probably one which was originally thought to be a diamond. It was therefore known as the "Braganza Diamond." This clear topaz was 1680 carats and it was set in the crown jewels of Portugal. The famous Green Vault in Dresden contains some of the world's most precious gems and features a gorgeous topaz.

In purchasing a topaz, there are some phrases to watch out for so that you don't end up with the wrong gem. You may hear a stone referred to as "Spanish topaz." Spanish topaz is quartz of an orangish-brown color. "Madeira topaz", "Occidental topaz" and "Bohemian topaz" are citrine, in other words yellow quartz. Someone may refer to "Nevada topaz" which is smoky obsidian. Don't let disreputable dealers fool you with these terms! A topaz is a beautiful stone that is less expensive than the similar appearing aquamarine.

Caring for a topaz is not difficult. It should be washed in warm soapy water rather than in an ultrasonic cleaner. Although it's an especially hard stone, do try to protect it from scratching or blows. Even though this is a highly durable gem, the topaz, as with most gemstones, should be protected from extreme changes in temperature.

In modern metaphysical healing, the topaz is known to promote acting on one's positive desires and help stimulate creativity and individuality. It is thought to assist in suppressing doubt and encouraging confidence and free expression of ideas.

Physically, alternative healers employ topaz to treat the gall bladder, liver, endocrine system, and diseases of the skin, as well as wounds.

Used in the jewelry of royalty,treasured as a healing and protective gem, and known for its durability the topaz is a gem you can be proud to wear for a lifetime.