About
Topaz is a precious gemstone that is found in a variety of colors from
yellow to blue, brown, and rose red, blue being the rarest form. The
word "topaz" is thought to have a few different origins: "Topazios," the
ancient name of St. John"s Island in the Red Sea which was known for
the yellow gems mined there; an Arabic word meaning "subject of the
search;" or the Sanskrit word tapas meaning "heat" or "fire." It is
considered to be the birthstone for the month of December, and is given
in celebration of 4th and 19th anniversaries.
The poet Pablo Neruda wrote an ode to the beauty of topaz in his
poem "El Topacio:" it begins, "Whenever you touch topaz, it touches you:
it awakes / a gentle fire, like wine awakes in grapes." The topaz is a
particularly captivating stone, having high qualities of color,
clarity, and hardness.
In many cultures throughout history, the topaz has held a sacred
significance. It is referenced in the Bible, as one of the stones
adorning Aaron"s bejeweled breastplate; it is believed by the Hindus to
sharpen intelligence and lengthen the wearer"s life; and in some
shamanic cultures in Africa, topaz is believed to facilitate a
connection with the spirit realm.
Whatever mystical properties topaz may have, it is sure to bathe you in its warm light, like a flickering blue flame.
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