Topaz

Topaz gets its name from the Greek word topazion, which may originate from the Sanskrit 'tapas' meaning, " fire." The name might also come from the name of the Egyptian island of Topazios (now St John's Island) in the Red Sea. The Latin writer Pliny the Elder used the island's name for a yellowish green stone found there, and it soon became the name for most yellow stones. Topaz was once predominantly found there but is now also found in Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Burma, and Mexico.

This gem has an exceptionally wide colour range , it includes tones of yellow , blue , green , pink , orange , red and wine.

Yellow Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November and is the gem of 23rd anniversary. Blue topaz is the birthstone of December and is the gem of 4th anniversary.

Almost every birthstone has many different myths surrounding it. These myths can make the gemstone seem much more interesting, and can cause you to develop a much greater appreciation for them. Some of these myths are simply interesting to learn about, as many of them make a lot of sense. Topaz is certainly no exception, as there are a number of different myths about this gemstone.

One of the first myths in regards to Topaz is where the gemstone got its colour. The Egyptians believed that Topaz got its colour from the Sun God who they called Ra. Due to this myth; the Topaz became an incredibly valuable gemstone in Egypt, as it had been touched by one of their Gods. Interestingly enough, the Egyptians were not the only ones who felt that Topaz got its colour from the sun. The Romans also felt the same way. They believed that there was some type of association between the colour of this gemstone and the sun. The fact that Topaz is commonly found in shades of yellow and orange makes this myth seem quite understandable. It does almost appear as though the sun's rays caused it to turn the colour that it is. 

Perhaps Topaz's close association with the sun is the reason that its mystical properties were only believed to occur during certain times of the month. It was believed that the closer it was during the month to the full moon, the more powerful the mystical properties that Topaz had to offer would be. When the moon was not visible at all, it was believed that the mystical properties that Topaz has to offer would be incredibly weak. Topaz is the only gemstone which was believed to follow the moon's pattern in terms of its mystical properties. 

In India Topaz holds great importance in Jyotish Vidya as the stone with the Sun's fire ensconced within it. In ancient India, Sanskrit scholars found this gem to represent the 'fire' (tapas) of the Sun. In Hinduism the Sun is synonymous with God hence its value among gems is unparalleled.

The Greeks believed that this gemstone has the power to enhance the strength of the wearer and Egyptians wore it to protect themselves from injuries. Romans believed that it had the power to improve the weak eye sight. In the middle ages, this transcendental gemstone was believed to cure mental and physical disorders.

Blue Topaz stones are rarely found in the crust of the earth . The naturally occurring Blue Topaz are pale or light blue in colour.
The alluring Blue Topaz gemstone belongs to the family of silicate minerals. The Topaz gemstone is very hard and may chip or break into pieces in a sharp blow. 

 The Programa Royal Collection is a natural heritage gem collection based in Madrid, Spain. One of its most famous gemstones is the Marbella Topaz, the world's biggest blue topaz. At 8,225 carats and expertly cut into an oval shape, it is breathtakingly pure and transparent. The Marbella Topaz can be admired at the Programa Royal's Art Natura complex in Madrid.

Topaz is an alluring gemstone.  Whether yellow or deep orange, blue or iridescently glowing flakes of red , the Topaz is a gem par excellence! Besides its mystical and healing qualities Topaz is a radiant gem that adds colour and mystery to the personality of a woman of beauty. When set with other gemstones and worn; such an exclusive piece raises the value of the wearer to that of Royalty!