Facts About November Birthstone Topaz You Might Be Interested In

Date:23 November 2022 03:56

While browsing through the stylish and classic gemstone ring designs, you cannot help but be caught in the iridescent beauty.

When you zoom in to see what type of glistening gemstone it is, you are pleased to find out it is Topaz. But the next moment, the question pops into your mind:

What is Topaz? And what is its meaning?

Topaz is a November birthstone that brings love, affection, and luck to an individual's life. If you are among those who are fond of birthstones and want to know more details about them, this article is undoubtedly for you.

This blog post will cover the ins and outs of these variegated beauties, including their meaning and history. Scroll down until the end to learn every exciting detail.

Let's get started!

The Topaz: November Birthstone

This November birthstone: Topaz, exquisite gen in many colours, is a much-demanded gemstone for gold jewellery. Topaz was thought to have healing and magical properties in ancient times. The word 'Topaz' originated from the Sanskrit word for 'fire.'

However, some assume it originated from the Greek word 'Topazos.' This November birthstone was supposed to have many advantages; some Greeks thought it gave them strength and power.

Subsequently, from the 1300s to the 1600s, many Europeans thought that Topaz could thwart magic tricks and dispel aggression. For decades, many people in India believed that Topaz could boost memory, intelligence, and beauty if worn near to heart.

This distinctly pinkish-orange Topaz possesses an aristocratic cachet. In addition to many other assumptions for the name Topaz, it is also commonly known as the name originated from the Russian Royal Family's insistence on retaining the most delicate gem colours – mined from the Ural Mountains of Russia, specifically for their use.

Topaz: How to Find?

The state of Brazil, Minas Gerais, is one of the most popular resources for finding premium quality Topaz. It has been mined there for more than two centuries now. Some colours unearthed here include yellow to red, orange to pink, violet and purple to orange blends.

Furthermore, a nearby town Ouro Preto is a companion. In this UNESCO World Heritage place, quaint cobblestone streets crisscross the city, and majestic colonial churches checker the skyline city.

Northwestern Pakistan is also known for the production of pink Topaz. Ghundao Hill is located near the small town called Katlang, and Topaz has been mined there since 1972. Mainly, the sought-after shade of pink Topaz in Katlang comprises a tinge of violet, some in the same field called Cyclamen pink. Nevertheless, at Ghundao Hill, a delicate pink November birthstone is rarely found.

Topaz Mythology

Since Topaz is one of the ancient gemstones, ancient people are known to associate beliefs with the gemstones. These are some of the most popular November birthstone myths:

Ancient people believed that if you dreamed of or saw Topaz in your dream, you'd get rid of a problem.
In the middle ages, 500AD to 1500AD, Topaz was grounded into powder and mixed properly with the wine as it guaranteed a good and sound night's sleep.
People believed Topaz had potent powers – relieving pains and curing fevers.
In the 12th century, people believed that Topaz could cure weak vision by dipping it in wine for three days and applying that wine to the eyes.

Topaz: Care and Cleaning

On the scale of hardness, Topaz is rated number 8, but it shows poor hardness, so care is essential to prevent cracking and chipping of the stone. Therefore, ultrasonic and steam cleaners cannot be used for cleaning this November birthstone.

Consequently, elevated temperature or sudden changes in the temperature might cause the birthstone to break internally. The stone is, however, stable to light, but prolonged exposure might result in the colour fading of some yellow to brown gemstones. It is also said that the gem might be slightly affected by the chemicals.

At the same time, Topaz's coating is Mystic, which can withstand regular wear, but abrasive cleaning processes or buffing wheels can remove it. Only mild soap is advised to be used to clean and care for the Topaz birthstone.

Topaz Jewellery: Golden Era

Undoubtedly, Topaz has been popular forever; but its Golden Era started to take off when the Portuguese began exploiting Brazil's mineral resources. Topaz was sent to jewellers all over the world to make pendants, necklaces, extremely long earrings, rings, and brooches by the middle of the 18th century.

Today, people are sought-after Topaz jewellery, available in most designs and styles to incorporate the consumers' tastes. Moreover, many modern jewellery productions are also available to fulfil consumer needs.

Georgian Topaz Jewellery

Currently, many jewellery brands are using Topaz jewellery for manufacturing and producing wonderful jewellery ornaments like necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and pendants. The early 1800s era is known for its romanticism and sentimentality along with subtle appearance, and Topaz jewellery is precise of that kind.

Victorian Topaz Jewellery

The use of Topaz in Jewellery pieces did not end throughout the Victorian era. Large gold brooches, diamond sets, bracelets, and rings experienced great popularity by the mid-19th century when Topaz deposits were discovered in the Ural Mountains.

Though at the beginning of the 20th century, the popularity of the Topaz might have declined, many gemstone lovers still prefer to wear this attractive stone as their lucky charm.

Topaz is not worn for its supernatural powers, but women prefer to wear it due to its attractiveness and beauty. It can enhance the look of any jewellery piece from ordinary to extraordinary.

All the November born are considered lucky to have such a beautiful gemstone as their birthstone; whether blue, orange, red, or golden brown, they are beautiful and add elegance embedded in jewellery.