Birthstones - November  (Topaz or Citrine)

Topaz

Chemical Composition: Al2(F,OH)2SiO4, Topaz
Mohs Hardness: 8
Specific Gravity: 3.53
Refractive Index: 1.619-1.627
 
Topaz is the birthstone for the month of December and is the gemstone representing the 4th wedding anniversary.

The modern word topaz is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning "fire," from the Latin "topazus" and from the Greek "topazos." The use of topaz in jewelry can be traced back to the days of the ancient Egyptian empire. The Egyptians believed that topaz was a gemstone colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra, so it was used as a powerful amulet to protect the faithful against harm. In 15th century Rome, topaz was thought to prove the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who was a sun god, and they believed it had the power to dispel enchantment and to improve eyesight. It was also believed to calm anger, restore sanity and break spells. Topaz supposedly cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death, and was said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Its popularity grew tremendously during the Middle Ages, when people believed topaz had the power to strengthen the mind.

In the past, topaz was thought of primarily as a yellow to orange gemstone, but due to the large supply of blue topaz in the world market today, many have been led to believe that topaz is exclusively a blue gemstone. Of course, neither of these misconceptions is true. Topaz can display a wide variety of colors, from colorless, yellow, orange, brown, light green, light to dark blue, and pink to red to purple-red. Natural red stones are very uncommon.

Topaz, which is generally found in low to moderate price ranges, is a very popular gemstone because such a large variety of shades of color, sizes and shapes is available. Irradiation is commonly used to turn some colorless topaz to brown or brownish green, which is generally the first step toward creating treated blue topaz. Irradiation changes the light-absorption pattern and, as a result, the color of the material. The gemstones are then enhanced by heating them to bring out beautiful hues of blue with trade names like Sky (light), Swiss (medium), and London (dark) blue topaz. Heating is also commonly used to change brown, yellow, and/or orange topaz to pink or red. The treatment is stable, undetectable, and requires no special care.
 

Care & Cleaning of Topaz

The beautiful color of your topaz will last indefinitely, if the gem is properly cared for. As with all gems, protect topaz from scratches and sharp blows. Some topaz may fade in color if exposed to heat or to sunlight for extended periods. Because of this, topaz should not be worn while sunbathing or using a tanning bed. Topaz can be cleaned with most commercial jewelry cleaners or mild soap and water using a soft brush, but should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. We suggest that you bring your jewelry to Gillespie Jewelers at least three times each year for a complimentary inspection and cleaning.