By Elizabeth Hunt
If you ask a selection of people from around the globe the colour of Topaz you may be surprised at the range of answers …. From some, the response will be yellow, others will say blue, and a few will say amber. All of these answers are correct.
Ask those same people about what birthstone Topaz represents, and the answer might be as varied as the colour. The origins of modern birthstones can be traced back to Exodus in the Old Testament, where Moses sets out 12 precious gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel in a breast plate, each colour also being associated with elements of faith. Today birthstones have been commercialised to represent the 12 months of the year, but even these can vary greatly. Golden yellow Topaz is the birthstone of November along with its less expensive counterpart Citrine. Blue Topaz is related to December and gives the jewellery lover more choice by being available in Swiss Blue, London Blue and Sky Blue.
Topaz is one of the most widely found stones around the planet, from the USA to Brazil, Madagascar and Zimbabwe, to Myanmar, Namibia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China and even Russia. The stone's hue can be influenced by the mine of origin and lab influence, so the stone comes in a rainbow of colours.
There is an English acronym that helps children remember tbe colours of the rainbow in order and is based on history, which goes - Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain - taking each first letter you get R - red O - Orange Y- Yellow G- Green I - indigo V- Violet
Amazingly Topaz comes in every one of these colours including Purple. While natural purple topaz is a rare, it is still mined and cut to gemstone quality
Never underestimate Topaz. Along with being the Gemmological equivalent to a Rainbow, Topaz has a varied use in crystal healing. Topaz soothes, heals, stimulates, recharges, re-motivates and aligns the meridians of the body – directing energy to where it is needed most.
Topaz, whatever its colour, is really an incomparable and beautiful gem, whether it’s your birthstone in November or December or you simply love colour, topaz can offer a jeweller a magnificent gem palette
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