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November Birthstone - Topaz
Healing Properties and Interesting Information
Where Found
Topaz has been found in granitic pegmatite (coarsely crystalline hydrothermal
deposits) and in cavities in rhyolitic welded ash flow tuffs.
Topaz is almost
always found in the form of large, well-developed crystals. Most gem topaz is
mined directly from the host rock or from nearby sediment derived from the host
rock. Because of its poor toughness, this november birthstone is rarely found in gravel deposits
that have been removed any distance from the source area. Most gem topaz that
reaches the United States has been found in Brazil where it is mined from deeply
weathered pegmatites. Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and the Ural Mountains in
Russia were important Old World sources and Scotland and Ireland were lesser
sources for these stones. In North America, Mexico has been an important topaz
source and California, Colorado, Utah, Maine, and New Hampshire have also produced
topaz. Brazil boasts the largest topazes. They are also found in Pakistan, Russia,
Nigeria, Zaire, Mexico, Northern Ireland, England, Sri Lanka, and the United
States (California and Utah).
History, mythology
Topazes have been used to cure bad vision and to ward off death. During the
spread of the Bubonic plague (1347-1400) the clergy touched topazes to people's
sores. They were also ground into a powder and added to wine to prevent asthma
and insomnia. Topazes are believed to bring intelligence, long life, beauty, and
loyalty.
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