Topaz - November Birthstones
The topaz comes in many colors, but the yellow variety, discovered
in the Middle Ages during a quest for a supreme golden stone, is
the most familiar. At one time, all yellow-colored stones were called
topaz.
In Oscar Wilde's Salome, Herod tries to persuade Salome
to withdraw her request for the head of John the Baptist by offering
her great riches. Among the treasures he describes are "topazes
as yellow as the eyes of tigers, topazes as pink as the eyes of
wood pigeons." In addition to the varieties Herod offered are
blue, brown, red and colorless topazes.
The name topaz is a derivative of the Sanskrit word
topas meaning "fire." When worn as an amulet, it was as
said to drive away sadness, strengthen the intellect and bestow
courage. A topaz mounted in gold and hung around the neck was believed
to dispel enchantment.
The powdered stone was put in wine and used as a cure
for asthma, insomnia, burns and hemorrhage. It was regarded as the
stone of fruitfulness and faithfulness and one that conferred cheerfulness
on the wearer. It was supposed to calm passions and prevent bad
dreams. The topaz was believed to counteract poison and instantly
quench the heat of boiling water. All these magical powers were
supposed to increase or decrease with changes of the moon.
The topaz was a holy stone signifying St. Matthew,
and pilgrims flocked to Rome just to touch the topaz owned by Popes
Gregory II and Clement VI, which was said to cure all ailments and
to bring health.
The topaz was credited also with banishing the fear
of death and ensuring a peaceful demise. It gave its owner faith
and charity and symbolized true friendship, lasting love, intelligence
and beauty.
Of all the colors in which topaz is found, the violet-red
stones are the most valued. The sherry topaz is so called because
its color resembles that of sherry wine. Valuable topaz displays
a slightly velvety texture and has a high luster. Citrine, or topaz
quartz is sometimes sold as genuine topaz but a reputable jeweler
will correctly represent it for what it is. Blue topazes are often
quite beautiful and some rare specimens are comparable in color
to aquamarines and, more rarely, to sapphires. All colors except
yellow and brown are light to very light in tone. Other factors
being equal, the darker the tone the more valuable the stone.
An old verse says of this November birthstone, which stands for
fidelity:
|
Who first comes to this world
below
With drear November's fog and snow
Should prize the topaz's amber hue
Emblem of friends and lovers true. |
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