What Is Topaz?
Topaz is a precious gemstone and is more commonly known as the November birthstone. Made up of the minerals fluorine and aluminium, it can appear in various colours and can also be colourless. In terms of durability, topaz is considered a reasonably hard gemstone with a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, coming close to other hard gemstones such as sapphire and ruby.
With various colours of topaz ranging from orange, pink, brown, and sometimes red, topaz is most famously known for its vibrant and striking blue colouring. Although once considered rare, blue topaz is now the most common colour thanks to a specially developed enhancement process that permanently turns colourless topaz blue.
It’s said that the first topaz was discovered in 18th-century Germany. At the time, there was confusion about what these newly found gemstones were due to their orange colouring, often resembling the peridot gemstone. Today, topaz can be found in many locations across the globe, including Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, China, and Zimbabwe.
What Does Topaz Symbolise?
Topaz is most commonly associated with wealth and good fortune. Its yellow colouring was believed to hold mystical powers that could attract gold and prosperity. Topaz is also mentioned in religious texts, featuring as one of the gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron, although some believe this stone may actually have been peridot.
During the Renaissance, topaz was said to break magic spells, drive away anger and negativity, and promise long-lasting life, intelligence, and beauty. Especially when worn close to the heart, topaz jewellery became a popular gift throughout the centuries.
Why Are There Two Birthstones For November?
Citrine was introduced as a secondary November birthstone in 1912 when the Jewelers of America standardised the modern birthstone list. Citrine was added as a more affordable and accessible option. Citrine is a variety of quartz and comes in a rich golden-yellow colour. It ranks 7 on the Mohs scale, making it slightly softer than topaz.
Citrine was particularly popular during the Art Deco era and has recently gained popularity with modern celebrities, including Kate Winslet, Emma Watson, and Beyoncé, as well as royalty such as Queen Victoria.
Wondering which gemstone to choose for a November birthday? Both topaz and citrine make meaningful choices. It ultimately comes down to colour preference and personal style.
Topaz Birthstone Facts
1. In its natural state, topaz is colourless and can be mistaken for diamond.
2. The name topaz comes from the ancient Greek word “Topazios”.
3. Topaz can be found in a wide variety of colours and is often referred to as the rainbow gem.
4. Imperial topaz was once exclusive to the Russian royal family.
5. Blue topaz is the official 4th wedding anniversary gemstone.
Citrine Birthstone Facts
1. Citrine gets its name from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon.
2. Citrine was first discovered in the 1600s by a Spanish explorer.
3. The largest citrine gem, known as the Malaga Citrine, weighs over 20,000 carats.
4. Citrine is the traditional 13th wedding anniversary gemstone.
5. Citrine is one of the most popular quartz gemstones.
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What Is Topaz?
Topaz is a precious gemstone and is more commonly known as the November birthstone. Made up of the minerals fluorine and aluminium, it can appear in various colours and can also be colourless. In terms of durability, topaz is considered a reasonably hard gemstone with a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, coming close to other hard gemstones such as sapphire and ruby.
Topaz Cluster Hoop Earring Charm
$135
Topaz Hoop Earring Charm
$424
Citrine Birthstone Tennis Bracelet
$909
Topaz Prong Set Hoop Earring Charm
$408
With various colours of topaz ranging from orange, pink, brown, and sometimes red, topaz is most famously known for its vibrant and striking blue colouring. Although once considered rare, blue topaz is now the most common colour thanks to a specially developed enhancement process that permanently turns colourless topaz blue.
It’s said that the first topaz was discovered in 18th-century Germany. At the time, there was confusion about what these newly found gemstones were due to their orange colouring, often resembling the peridot gemstone. Today, topaz can be found in many locations across the globe, including Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, China, and Zimbabwe.
What Does Topaz Symbolise?
Topaz is most commonly associated with wealth and good fortune. Its yellow colouring was believed to hold mystical powers that could attract gold and prosperity. Topaz is also mentioned in religious texts, featuring as one of the gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron, although some believe this stone may actually have been peridot.
During the Renaissance, topaz was said to break magic spells, drive away anger and negativity, and promise long-lasting life, intelligence, and beauty. Especially when worn close to the heart, topaz jewellery became a popular gift throughout the centuries.
Why Are There Two Birthstones For November?
Citrine was introduced as a secondary November birthstone in 1912 when the Jewelers of America standardised the modern birthstone list. Citrine was added as a more affordable and accessible option. Citrine is a variety of quartz and comes in a rich golden-yellow colour. It ranks 7 on the Mohs scale, making it slightly softer than topaz.
Citrine was particularly popular during the Art Deco era and has recently gained popularity with modern celebrities, including Kate Winslet, Emma Watson, and Beyoncé, as well as royalty such as Queen Victoria.
Wondering which gemstone to choose for a November birthday? Both topaz and citrine make meaningful choices. It ultimately comes down to colour preference and personal style.
Topaz Birthstone Facts
1. In its natural state, topaz is colourless and can be mistaken for diamond.
2. The name topaz comes from the ancient Greek word “Topazios”.
3. Topaz can be found in a wide variety of colours and is often referred to as the rainbow gem.
4. Imperial topaz was once exclusive to the Russian royal family.
5. Blue topaz is the official 4th wedding anniversary gemstone.
Citrine Birthstone Facts
1. Citrine gets its name from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon.
2. Citrine was first discovered in the 1600s by a Spanish explorer.
3. The largest citrine gem, known as the Malaga Citrine, weighs over 20,000 carats.
4. Citrine is the traditional 13th wedding anniversary gemstone.
5. Citrine is one of the most popular quartz gemstones.