Topaz, the Rainbow Hued Stone

Events

Those born in November have a choice of birthstones, the beautiful topaz which comes in a rainbow of colors or the yellow, gold or amber citrine. We’ve written generally about both stones here and about citrine here. Let’s focus on the gorgeous topaz today.

Topaz come in various tones and saturations of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Colorless topaz is plentiful, and is often treated to give it a blue color. Imperial topaz refers pink topaz, named in honor of the Russian Czar when found high in the Ural Mountains in Russia in the 17^th century. The pink stone was so rare, every specimen found was automatically owned by the Royal Family.

There is no definitely answer for how topaz received its name. It may have been named after a small island in the Red Sea which was named “Topazios” (this island is named Zabargad today). Topaz was never mined on Tapazios, but peridot was and the two were confused throughout history. Alternatively, some scholars believe the topaz was named from the Sanskrit word topas or tapaz which means “fire.”

Over the centuries, topaz has been thought to protect against enemies, to give strength, and to protect against spells and magic. Today, topaz is associated with friendship, loyalty, and faithfulness. Blue topaz is the gem of the 4^th anniversary and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23^rd anniversary.

With so many reasons to gift topaz, stop in to Bridgewaters today to find the perfect color and setting!