Oct

November birthstone: Yellow topaz

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Topaz has a golden brown to yellow color and it is often confused with the less valuable citrine.
Topaz - amber color
Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral and one of the hardest minerals in nature, an 8 on Moh’s scale. Topaz has excellent scratch resistance.
Topaz was the name given, in ancient times, to all yellow and brown gemstones.
Brown topaz from Russia and Mexico is light sensitive, and tends to fade in sunlight so it would be a good idea to keep it in a dark place if it’s not being worn.
It is believed to protect from death, injury, physical and mental illness, dark magic, envy and intrigue.
The Imperial topaz, with a reddish-orange color, looks very similar with the Padparadscha sapphire.
Imperial topaz
The principal sources for topaz are Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan.
Topaz is the traditional choice of gemstone for November. If we were to follow the zodiac signs, topaz is the birthstone for Sagittarius and beryl is the birthstone for Scorpio.
Topaz, the November birthstone, is found in nature in brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink.
Topaz may have derived its name from the Island of Topazios in the Red Sea but there is also the possibility that the name may have come from the Sanskrit word “topas” that means “fire.”
Topaz brings wisdom to its bearer, which explains why it was so common to give topaz jewels to heads of state, ambassadors and other officials.
November birthstone topaz
Blue topaz is not found in nature. It is obtained after technological processes. The darker the stone the more expensive.
It was regarded as the stone of fruitfulness and faithfulness. It was supposed to calm passions and prevent bad dreams.
To ancient Egyptians, the color of yellow topaz symbolized Ra, the Egyptian sun god.
The Smithsonian Institution has a 7,725-carat yellow stone for viewing. The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a 9,000-carat orange crystal from Brazil.