The modern birthstone for the month of November is the beautiful Topaz (Yellow Topaz) and the secondary gem as Citrine. Topaz is a silicate mineral that has been used as a gemstone for centuries. Topaz is considered the hardest of silicate minerals but has interesting properties that make it similar to diamonds in its ability to be cleaved into smaller increments. Unlike diamonds, the crystals of topaz can come in very large sizes.
Topaz is usually found in pegmatities, quartz veins and inside of granites and rhyolites. Topaz in its true form is clear, but can come in a large assortment of colors due to various impurities within the crystal lattice. These colors can range from red, green, orange, brown and yellow. Topaz in its natural state forms short or long multi-faceted crystals and is prized as a mineral specimen in its natural state. Listed on the Mohs Scale of Hardness as an 8, which makes it a perfect gem to work with in jewelry.
Topaz is located throughout the world but is found primarily in Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Pakistan. Some of the best quality and prized topaz deposits are found in Brazil. Certain regions of the United States have topaz deposits and most notably in San Diego County and the Thomas Mountain Range in Utah which is renowed for its beautiful blue topaz.
Topaz has a colorful folklore history that goes back centuries. The name topaz comes from the old Sanskrit word "tapaz" or fire. Thought to improve strength, cure asthma, bleeding and used to dispel emotional distress such as sadness and anger. The Egyptians associated the topaz with the God "Ra" and was also associated with the Roman God Jupiter. The Greeks believed topaz had the power to make a person invisible in times of crises.
The grandest topaz is found in the Portugese Crown, the "Braganza" and others are found in the Green Vault in Dresden. The largest gem quality topaz resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
Topaz is usually found in pegmatities, quartz veins and inside of granites and rhyolites. Topaz in its true form is clear, but can come in a large assortment of colors due to various impurities within the crystal lattice. These colors can range from red, green, orange, brown and yellow. Topaz in its natural state forms short or long multi-faceted crystals and is prized as a mineral specimen in its natural state. Listed on the Mohs Scale of Hardness as an 8, which makes it a perfect gem to work with in jewelry.
