The November Birthstone: Topaz
The birthstone for the month of November is the exquisite topaz. The topaz gem is found in a rainbow of colors including blue, orange, pink, violet, brown and, very rarely, red. Blue topaz is the most common today, and is often seen in a pale blue hue.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, it is believed by some that the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire.” Others have traced it back to the Greek word topazos which symbolizes strength.
Topaz gemstones are most notably found in Minas Gerais, a state of Brazil. For more than 200 years Minas Gerais is one of the most important sources for its range of high-quality and brilliant topaz. Other major sources of this November birthstone include Namibia, Pakistan, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the United States, as well as the historic Russian localities.
When it comes to durability, the topaz gem ranks an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although it ranks high in hardness, the topaz lacks toughness and should be worn with care. We recommend a regular cleaning with warm, soapy water to keep your gorgeous topaz gemstone shining bright!
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