Topaz

Topaz is a birthstone for December. Blue topaz is the gem of the 4th anniversary and Imperial topaz is the gem of the 23rd anniversary. 

Topaz has a wide range of colors that include blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, and purples. Colorless topaz is often treated to give it a blue color. Topaz is also pleochroic, meaning that the gem can show different colors in different directions. Imperial topaz is a medium reddish orange to orange-red and is one of the gem’s most expensive colors. Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is the traditional November birthstone and the state gemstone of the US state of Utah. Blue topaz is the state gemstone of the US state of Texas.

Brazil is one of the largest producers of topaz, some clear topaz crystals from Brazilian pegmatites can reach boulder size and weigh hundreds of pounds.  The American Golden Topaz, is one of the world’s largest gemstones. It was faceted by Leon Agee over a period of two years in the late 1980’s from a 26 lb stream-rounded topaz cobble. The “American Golden” has 172 facets.

It is possible to create synthetic topaz, however, naturally occurring topaz is so abundant that there isn't much market for it. 

Topaz crystals are typically elongated, with grooves parallel to their lengths. For this reason, they're commonly cut into long oval, rectangle or pear shapes.  

• Spiritual: self-confidence
• Soul: helps present oneself in favorable light; helps with depression
• Mind: helps realize great plans
• Body: helps with nerve problems, digestion and eating disorders (including anorexia); enhances metabolism and fertility in women