The birthstone of November, Topaz takes its name from the
Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning fire. It
can be colourless, blue, green, sherry-yellow, port red, and very rarely, pink.
The yellow colour is the one that represents the
birthstone.
Due to its fiery colour, it has been likened to the sun, and
has been associated with sun gods in a few traditions - however the powers
attributed to it are also said to be connected to the phases of the moon –
being strongest at the full moon.
It is said to promote courage, drive away sadness and strengthen
intellect. It was believed that in the presence
of poisoned food or drink, it would lose its colour, warning the owner of the
danger.
There is some confusion to where the gem has cropped up
in legend – as other yellow gems and peridot were sometimes also referred to as
“topaz”.
Some say that the sun god Ra gave it its colour.
Blue topaz is often colourless topaz that has been treated
to give it its blue hue; although it does occur as blue naturally, most natural
blue stones will be much paler.
It’s another expensive stone, so glass or the secondary
birthstone of citrine will be a more affordable representation in your
jewellery making!
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