November is the month of Thanksgiving, which is a time to reflect on all the good things in life. The birthstone for November is topaz, a beautiful stone that symbolizes friendship and strength of character. It's also associated with health, love, and beauty.
Topaz is a popular choice for jewelry, particularly rings and earrings. It can also be used in silver settings or combined with diamonds for stunning pieces of fine jewelry. In the next sections, you will learn some fun facts about this gem.
The History of Topaz Gemstone
The name "topaz" comes from Greek words meaning "to seek," because this stone was thought to help find things they had lost or enable them to find their way in the dark. The stone has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties and today it's still believed to offer health benefits like reducing stress or helping with insomnia due to its calming effects on the body and mind.
The ancient Egyptians mined for topaz in Sinai and used it in their jewelry because they thought it had magical powers; however, they were not aware of its true nature until 700 BC when they learned about beryl's properties from the Greeks who had been using it since at least 600 BC.
Where is Topaz Mined?
Topaz is one of the most common gemstones in the world, although its specific gravity makes it difficult to work. It has been found in Brazil, United States, Russia, China, Mexico and Sri Lanka. It's mined all over the world, but Brazil produces more than half of the world's output each year. The best quality topaz crystals come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Topaz Characteristics and Color
Topaz is a silicate mineral made up of aluminum and fluorine with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is anisotropic, meaning that its physical properties vary when viewed from different directions. Topaz has many different colors, including yellow, orange, pink, green and blue. The most common type of topaz is golden-yellow and light blue but it can also be found in pink, green and brown colors as well as colorless varieties. Topaz is sometimes combined with other gems like diamonds or sapphires to create unique jewelry pieces.
What Affects the Price of Topaz?
The price of a topaz depends on its color. The more vivid the color, the more expensive it becomes. The most valuable topaz is red topaz, which has a rich pink or reddish-orange color. Blue topaz comes next on the value scale. White topaz is less expensive than blue or red because it has less color saturation and tends to be cloudy or milky. Yellow topaz is also considered less valuable than blue or red because it lacks clarity and luster. Finally, colorless topaz is considered one of the least valuable types because it lacks color and therefore does not attract much attention from buyers or sellers.
The Best Jewelry Cut for Topaz
Topaz comes in many different cuts but only one shape has been found to particularly complement it in the best way, which is the Oval cut. The best oval cut for Topaz includes step edges on both ends of the stone that meet at an angle in the middle of the stone, leaving flat surfaces on top and bottom. This cut gives off the maximum amount of light while keeping the weight down to make it easier to wear on a bracelet or necklace without getting too heavy or bulky. However, you’ll also find other beautiful cuts for this gem such as pear-shaped, emerald, marquise, and trilliant cuts.
Topaz is Durable and Hard Enough for Everyday Wear
Topaz is a durable gem that can be worn every day without worrying about any damage to the stone. It's hard enough to withstand everyday wear and tear so it doesn't scratch easily or chip easily. It also doesn't change color when exposed to chemicals or acids and it's resistant to heat, making it safe for cooking with and wearing in the kitchen.
Topaz is affordable enough that you can buy more than one piece so you can wear different colors at different times of the year. However, topazes are also often used in engagement rings due to their durability, hardness, and affordability compared with other precious gems.
Conclusion
All in all, topaz gives a wide variety of positive vibes, and this precious stone can be used to adorn just about anything, from rings to earrings to pins and pendants. Regardless of what you choose to make, the stone's beautiful colors will add a splash of warmth to your outfit. So, if you have a November birthday or want to give a gift to someone with a November birthday, remember that Topaz can be the perfect stone to celebrate this month's special moments.
