With a name that comes from the Sanskrit word for fire, topaz has a fiery and passionate heart.
Just as the autumn chill sets in, November’s birthstone arrives to warm things up. Topaz has been valued since ancient times for its fierce beauty, color variety and deep healing powers.
The stone’s name comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means fire. Topaz is believed to have the ability to control heat and fire, in both the physical world and within a person’s emotions. When you wear it, you’re harnessing primordial powers to soothe anger, relieve stress and tame or ignite the heart’s passions.
A Spectrum of Color
Although topaz’s most famous color is yellow-orange and the official November birthstone is orange topaz, the stone actually comes in a rainbow of colors. Violet, red and pink topaz (shown above) are popular choices because they combine the warmth of topaz with the colors of love.
Blue topaz, which is the state stone of Texas, is the rarest color of topaz. It is said that blue topaz provides a special type of emotional tranquility, where the coolness of blue balances the heat of topaz. Blue topaz is sometimes irradiated to produce an even darker royal blue color.
Mystic topaz, also called rainbow topaz, is a naturally colorless form of topaz that’s treated with a process called vapor deposition. The resulting topaz glimmers with a captivating rainbow effect. Jewelry that pairs mystic topaz with opal can shine with an inner light.
Here’s something most people don’t realize about topaz: Certain colors can be bleached away by sunlight. A deep brown topaz from a mine in Siberia that is chipped can reach the Earth’s surface, be exposed to the sun and fade to a gentle pale brown-yellow.
In other varieties of topaz, exposure to high heat can shift its tone to another place in the color spectrum. A pale blue stone could become a brilliant brighter turquoise-blue. These kinds of changes are usually initiated by a gemologist long before the stone reaches you.
Topaz Jewelry
Topaz is among the hardest naturally-occurring minerals, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. It has high durability and scratch resistance, although its natural crystalline structure requires certain types of cuts and settings to preserve its strength in everyday jewelry.
Because topaz is not exceedingly rare, it’s usually an affordable choice for jewelry lovers. It can be faceted to create an eye-catching glittering effect or left in a more raw state for an earthy, organic look. You have nearly endless options when you choose topaz.
Want to wish a happy birthday to a November baby? Incorporate topaz into their personal jewelry wardrobe with the help of your private jeweler. Ask us about our Custom Design Gift Experience, especially during the holidays.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, IndyFacets.com/schedule/.