Topaz: The November Birthstone
Topaz is a stone with gorgeous clarity, it is a strong stone and comes in a rainbow of colours, which makes it ideal for jewellery making. Because of its rarity, topaz is an expensive gem. The rarest and most valuable colour being red, light blue is more common and of less value but no less stunning. Topaz is the birthstone of November and in this blog post, we explore its interesting history and properties.
Topaz Facts
Colour: Colours of topaz range from golden yellow, pink, blue, green or colourless. Yellow, pink and red is the most valuable with natural pink stones being very rare. Many of the colourless stones are heat treated to a create range of blues.
Appearance: In its raw form the topaz occurs as well formed prismatic crystal which can be of great size. Topaz can also form in large granular and columnar habits. It is a transparent to translucent stone with a vitreous lustre. Topaz is more commonly cut as a faceted stone when used for jewellery making use.
Rarity: Untreated stones are rare with pink and yellow stones being the hardest to come across.
Mohs' Hardness: Topaz measures 8 on the scale, making it a strong stone, adding to its appeal and more expensive price tag.
Sourced: United States, Mexico, Brazil, Pakistan and Africa.
Formation and History: Topaz forms most commonly in pegmatites (a coarsely crystalline granite or other igneous rock). Topaz can also form in veins and cavities in granitic rock and volcanic lavas. It occurs with a variety of other minerals such as quartz. There are a number of ideas as to where the name topaz derives from. One being from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire, another being that it is derived from the greek word Τοpáziοs’ or ‘Τοpáziοn which means yellow stone. The most famous topaz is actually a colourless topaz. In the 17th century, a large white , or colourless stone was used in a Portuguese crown. At the time it was thought to be the largest diamond ever found at 1640 carats, but is now believed to be a colourless topaz.
Properties: Topaz is thought to be a mellow and empathetic stone that directs energy to where it is needed most - A great stone for balancing emotions. The November birthstone is also believed to promote truth and forgiveness by cutting through doubt and uncertainty. In her book The Crystal Bible, Judy Hall states that topaz's vibrant energy brings joy, generosity, abundance and good health. It has traditionally been known as a stone of love and good fortune. bringing successful attainment of goals. Negativity does not survive around joyful topaz.
Healing: Topaz is said to stimulate the metabolism and restores the sense of taste and manifest health. During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death. Throughout history the stone has been linked to many powers, for example the Greeks believed it increased strength, the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight and the Egyptians wore it to protect them from injury.
Browse our Topaz Collection
Jewellery Making With Topaz
As Topaz has a mohs's scale hardness of 8, it is great gemstone to use within jewellery design.
It's rareness, sparkle and beautiful colour options almost always result in a stunning, eye catching piece that people find hard to resist.
Topaz is commonly found cut as a faceted stone in the smaller to medium sizes and in a range of shapes.
Pink Topaz Snaptite Earrings
This jewellery making project couldn't be easier! Our sterling silver snaptite earstud settings are so easy to set and perfect for beginners, making them so popular. We've used our wonderful pink topaz faceted stones but you can choose any faceted stones you like!
Types Of Earring Findings For Jewellery Making
In this guide, we show you various types of earring findings that you can use for your handmade jewellery designs. Earring findings are beginner-friendly, usually requiring little skill and time to create designs with.
Discover different types of Topaz
Pink Topaz
Sky Blue Topaz
White Topaz
Iridescent Aqua Topaz
Mystic Fire Topaz
London Blue Topaz
References:
- Judy Hall : The Crystal Bible.
- Chris Pellant: Rocks And Minerals
- Cally Hall: Gemstones
- Birthstone Zodiac
- Bernardine Fine Art Jewellery Gemstone Category
Also in this section:
- The Chakras & Stones For Beginners
- Top Gemstones For Love & Valentine's Day
- Rare Ammolite For Jewellery Making
- 5 Gemstones To Honour Your Mum
- 5 Gemstones To Wear On Your Travels
- Mohs Hardness Scale, Gemstone Durability & Jewellery Making
- Top 10 Affordable Gemstones For Jewellery Making
- Your Guide To Anniversary Gemstones & Jewellery Making
- Your Guide To Birthstones & Birthstone Jewellery
- Discover Rare Cornish Turquoise
- Garnet: The January Birthstone
- Amethyst: The February Birthstone
- Aquamarine: The March Birthstone
- Diamond: The April Birthstone
- Emerald: The May Birthstone
- Pearl: The June Birthstone
- Ruby: The July Birthstone
- Peridot: The August Birthstone
- Sapphire: The September Birthstone
- Opal: The October Birthstone
- Topaz: The November Birthstone
- Turquoise: The December Birthstone
- Types Of Diamonds For Jewellery Making
- Lapis Lazuli, The Stone For Truth & Communication
- Types Of Agate Stones For Jewellery Making
- What Are Precious & Semi-Precious Stones?
- Watermelon Tourmaline For Jewellery Making
- 6 Stones For Alternative Engagement Rings
- Rare Tanzanite For Jewellery Making
- Gemstones For Your Inner Mermaid
- 5 Spiritual Gemstones To Help Your Mind & Body
- Rose Quartz, The Love Stone
- What Are Drusy Gemstones?
- What Is A Boulder Opal & How Do We Source Them
- All About Our Natural Untreated Turquoise