A set of coloured topaz stones
"Who first comes to this world below
Locating and Identifying Topaz
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true."
Introducing the November Birthstone
November is here, and as the icy weather begins to redden our noses and ears, we have to find warmth from other elements than the weather. As the poem suggests, the birthstone of November is topaz. The topaz stands for loyalty, friendship and happiness, representing the warmth we find in our friends and family when the weather turns cold.
The History of the Topaz
Topaz can be found in a variety of colours, this its history is difficult to track. At one point it was believed that topaz was first found on the ancient island of "Topazos", however the stone in question is now thought to have been a different gemstone of a similar colour to that of amber coloured topaz. Many modern English translations of the Bible mention topaz in reference to a stone in the Hoshen (a sacred breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Israelites in ancient times): "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle (Garnet to us): this shall be the first row."
Topaz can be found all over the world, in countries such as Norway, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and the USA to name a few! Pure, flawless topaz is colourless, found most commonly in Brazil, however impure stones can be seen in fantastic colours of blue, brown, orange, grey, yellow, green, pink and red.
The Properties of the Topaz
The traditional metaphysical properties of the November birthstone are strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions, three things... which definitely come in handy during the stressful winter / Christmas period!
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