Topaz – The November Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:

Topaz is the most misused name in gemstones, often used to describe members of the quartz and tourmaline families.  Citrine, a yellow gemstone from the quartz family, is often called topaz, and in fact is often substituted for the November birthstone for persons wanting a yellow color.  Topaz is mined in Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, the US, Sri Lanka, and Russia, but the finest quality comes from Brazil.

THE LORE:

The name topaz come from the Red Sea island Topazios which means ‘to guess’ as the island is frequently shrouded in heavy fog.  The lore, magic, and romance of topaz is great.  It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the most curative powers.  The Greeks felt it gave them strength.  It is said to cool tempers, restore sanity, cure asthma, relieve insomnia, and even to ward off sudden death.  Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in time of emergency.  It proved loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.  Blue topaz is the gemstone of the 4^th wedding anniversary and imperial topaz is the 23^rd anniversary.