Topaz, birthstone for November, has been known to reach rock size in crystal form. The largest faceted gemstone in the world is a topaz, at 31,000 carats. References to topaz are found in the Old and New Testaments and in the myths of saints. Yellow topaz is traditional birthstone for November. Topaz untinted by impurities is clear, but usually it is yellow or wine colored, and sometimes blue, or orange, gray, pink, green or brown. Most often it is found in igneous rocks. Some crystals have been found in Brazil that have reached boulder size. Other locations where topaz is found are the US, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
In Bible it is mentioned topaz as one of the gems in the breastplate of the Second Temple. In the book of Revelation, Saint John says topaz as one of the foundation stones representing the Christian virtue of contemplation. Saint Hildegarde said that the light from a topaz enabled her to read prayers in dark chapel. Early Romans related topaz with their god Jupiter, and Egyptians said that topaz, the sun jewel, symbolize the sun god Ra.
The El Dorado topaz, mined at Minas Gerais in Brazil, is not only the largest faceted topaz in the world, it is also the world’s largest faceted gemstone, at 31,000 carats. Another famous topaz is the colorless Braganza diamond, in the crown jewels of Portugal.
Topaz has hardness of number eight on the Mohs scale. Although it can be broken by a pointed, glancing blow, it makes fairly durable jewelry. This factor, along with its clarity, blaze and attractive color make the gemstone topaz very popular.
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