Sedona Gem and Mineral Club

Topaz is the traditional November birthstone. Before the 20th century, all yellow gemstones were called topazes. Since then, gemology has recognized topaz as a distinct gem species in many colors. The word topaz is believed to come from a Sanskrit word meaning fire. Ancient lore said the topaz could be used to control heat. It was said to have the power to cool boiling water and excessive anger. Topaz was used as a medication to cure fever.  The ancient Greeks believed the topaz gave them strength.  Medieval Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger.  For centuries, many people in India wore it above their hearts to ensure long life, beauty, and intelligence.

Topaz’s magnificent colors include blue, pale green, and varying shades of yellow, pink, red, brown, and even black. Pure topaz itself is a colorless stone. Red and some pink topazes get their colors from chromium substituted for aluminum in the crystals. Most other colors occur due to minor element substitutions and defects in the crystal. Some colors are unstable and can fade away; for example, brown topaz mined in Siberia can be bleached by sunlight. In other stones, color changes can be induced by heating. High energy irradiation and moderate heat treatment of colorless topaz can transform it into blue gemstones.

Topaz gemstones occur in a variety of sizes, from tiny crystals to large rocks. The biggest uncut stone, a specimen found in Brazil weighing almost 600 pounds, is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. A famous cut topaz in history is found among the crown jewels of Portugal, a magnificent yellow stone weighing 12 ounces.

The topaz birthstone symbolizes love and affection and is said to bestow strength and intelligence on the person who wears it, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. A gift of blue topaz is said to be a promise of love and fidelity.