Topaz: November's Birthstone

Topaz is the traditional birthstone for the month of November.  Commonly, one of the orangey or golden colors of topaz is worn as the birthstone.  However, topaz can be found in a rich rainbow of colors with the most valuable being "Imperial" topaz and pink topaz.

Imperial topaz derived its name after the Russian Czars of the 1800's, and has a magnificent orange body color, with pinkish-red undertones.  The 97,45 Blaze Imperial Topaz, in the collection of the Field Museum of Natural History, is an amazing example.

In addition, topaz can be found naturally in yellow, reddish-brown, light blue, pinky-red, pale green and colorless.

Pure topaz itself is a colorless stone and, when brilliantly cut, can be often mistaken for a diamond.  The 1,640 carat Braganza "Diamond" is a legendary example of a topaz being mistaken for a diamond.  Discovered in Brazil in the late 18th century, the "diamond" was set in the royal crown of Portugal but was later determined to be a colorless topaz.

Red and some pink topaz get their colors from chromium that is substituted for aluminum in the crystals. But most other colors occur due to minor element substitutions and defects in the crystal.

Brazil is the largest producer of topaz, the most notable source being the Minas Geranis region.  This region has produced many remarkably large crystals such as this 12,555 carat topaz sphere in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.  The pale golden sphere has over 1,000 facets.

Topaz is also found in Russia, the Ukraine, Pakistan, Scotland, Japan and Sri Lanka. In the United States, the gemstones have been found in Colorado and California.

The word ‘topaz,’ comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “fire.” And in ancient lore, the topaz could be used to control heat. It was said to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger. As medication, topaz was used to cure fever.