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November
Topaz ranges in colour from brown, yellow, blue and pink. Pure topaz is colourless. Irradiating or heat-treating common yellow topaz usually creates permanent pink topaz. However, the natural intense pink and the sherry red shades are rare and most sought-after. Imperial topaz is golden orange-yellow topaz and is the most valuable. Topaz may have been named after the legendary Topasos Island in the Red Sea. Blue Topaz, popular for rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, is a clear vivid bluebell colour and is produced by irradiating and heating colourless topaz. Topaz contains up to 20% water or fluorine the proportion of each affecting the colour and shape of the gem. The higher the water content the pinker or browner the colour and the longer the crystals. The higher fluorine content creates the colourless, yellow and pale blue shades and a squatter crystal shape. Some gem quality crystals are huge and can weigh many kilos. The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change colour in the presence of poisoned food or drink.
Hardness 8
