Topaz: Gem of the Sunset
August 24th, 2006 by MaryBeth
The birthstone for the month of November, topaz is radiant in warm shades of the sunset: gold, brown and orange. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “fire”. Said to enhance clarity, of both vision and perception, topaz has been known to bring strength and insight.
The Topaz in History
The bronze colors of topaz were known in Ancient Egypt as a glow coming from the sun god, Ra. For this reason, topaz was believed to offer protection to the faithful. The Ancient Greeks thought topaz made its wearer invisible when threatened. During the middle ages, people thought topaz could heal mental and physical disorders and even prevent death. Red and pink topaz was used in the royal jewels of Russian czars and czarinas in the 18th and 19th centuries. These shades of topaz are known as imperial topaz. The most famous colorless topaz is a mammoth gemstone which adorns the Portuguese crown. It is known as the “Braganza Diamond.” This topaz is a whopping 1680 carats.
Origins and Presentation of Topaz
Topaz is found primarily in granite rocks of the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Mexico and the United States. Common colors of topaz are also found in Sri Lanka and Brazil. Pink topaz is found mostly in Russia and Pakistan. Topaz is a hard gemstone. Like the diamond, a topaz can be split with a single blow. While topaz usually appears in the warm colors of autumn, a pale blue variety of topaz is also available. Often topaz is enhanced. For example, a deep green topaz was introduced through enhancement in the late 1980s.
Topaz is a beautiful stone. Whatever color or style of topaz you choose, you’re sure to be delighted.
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