November Birthstone - Topaz

Healing Properties and Interesting Information

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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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