Month of December - Topaz
Topaz, the birthstone for December, is a versatile gemstone available in a stunning rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, topaz has been surrounded by legends of power, healing, and beauty. The name may derive from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire, or from the Greek island Topazios in the Red Sea where a yellow stone was once mined.
History and Origin
Throughout much of history, all yellow and golden gemstones were referred to as topaz, leading to centuries of confusion with other stones like citrine. It was not until modern mineralogy developed that topaz was recognized as a distinct mineral species. The ancient Greeks believed topaz could increase strength, while the Egyptians associated it with Ra, the sun god, and believed its golden glow was a divine blessing. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed topaz could break magic spells and dispel anger. The discovery of large deposits in Brazil in the 19th century made topaz more widely available and helped establish it as one of the most popular gemstones in the world.
Symbolism and Meaning
Topaz symbolizes love, affection, and good fortune. It is traditionally associated with strength and intellect, and is believed to bring clarity to the mind and peace to the spirit. In many cultures, topaz is thought to promote creativity, generosity, and joyfulness. As the December birthstone, topaz represents friendship and is said to bring warmth during the coldest month of the year. December birthdays can also claim tanzanite and turquoise as alternative birthstones.
Colors and Varieties
Topaz comes in a wide range of colors including yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, and colorless. The most prized variety is Imperial topaz, named after the Russian Czars of the 1800s, which features a magnificent reddish-orange to orange-pink body color. Blue topaz is the most popular variety in the jewelry market today, available in three recognized shades: Sky Blue, a light pastel blue; Swiss Blue, a vivid medium blue; and London Blue, a deep, saturated grayish-blue. Most blue topaz achieves its color through a combination of irradiation and heat treatment, which produces a permanent and stable color.
Durability and Care
Topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a good choice for jewelry. However, topaz has perfect basal cleavage, meaning it can split along a flat plane if struck with enough force at the right angle. For this reason, topaz should be set in protective mountings for rings and handled with reasonable care. Clean topaz with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but steam cleaning should be avoided.
The finest topaz comes from Brazil, with other sources including Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the United States. Whether you prefer a rare Imperial topaz or a striking London Blue, topaz is a beautiful and meaningful December birthday gift.