Topaz

The name Topaz comes from the Sanskrit meaning ‘fire’ and the gemstone is found mainly in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Russia. Pure Topaz is colourless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities that create the wide range of colours including blue, red, orange, peach, pink, gold, yellow, brown and clear. Orange Topaz is also known as precious Topaz. Imperial topaz is sometimes pink but more usually a pink-orange and there is a rare Blue Topaz. Mystic Topaz is colourless topaz which has been artificially coated to give a rainbow effect. The Greeks believed Topaz jewellery had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans thought it had power to improve eyesight. Topaz is the birthstone of November and December. It is a talisman for the sign of Sagittarius and the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage.