Featured Stone: Topaz
Topaz gets its name from the island Topazios in the Red Sea (now called Zabargad). Topazios is a Greek word meaning to guess. This suited the island well as it was often obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. The stones mined there were actually peridot. The ancient Greeks believed Topaz bestowed strength to its wearer. It was worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, dispel sadness and strengthen intellect. Topaz was believed to assure beauty, fidelity and long life. Until the late 16th century all yellow stones were called topaz. Topaz occurs naturally in many colors; yellow, orange, brown, red, pink light blue, pale green and colorless. The blue shades (sky, swiss and london) are very popular in jewelry today. Virtually all blue topaz on the market has been irradiated and/or heated to attain its blue color. Some of the yellow, orange and brown topaz are heated to produce pink or red.

Today, topaz (along with citrine) serves as the birthstone for November. Blue topaz is designated for the 4th wedding anniversary, golden for the 16th and Imperial for the 23rd.

Sources:  Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, U.S, Sri Lanka and Russia.

Other colored stones: