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. This particular color is commonly known as London Blue Topaz. Also, the gemstone is classified as pleochroic stone, which means it can exude different colors when it is seen in different directions.
About
According to the Gemological Institute of America, it is believed 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. Imperial Topaz is known as one of the most distinctive colors of the gemstone, with a reddish-orange color, which led to it being an important stone in Russian royalty.
These 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. Different-colored stones originate from different locations. Northwestern Pakistan is known for producing pink Topaz, with Minas Gerais producing a broad range of topaz colors.
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 stone lacks toughness and should be worn with care. We recommend regular cleaning with warm, soapy water to keep your gorgeous topaz gemstone shining bright!
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