Topaz is a precious gem stone that is found in a variety of colors from white to yellow, brown, and rose red, with 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.’

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. It is considered to be the birthstone for the month of December, and is given in celebration of 4th and 19th anniversaries.

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.

Those with a November birthday are lucky to have citrine for a birthstone. This warm, orangey-yellow gem is a rare form of quartz - the same mineral from which amethyst originates. There are few references to citrine before the Hellenistic period of Greek history, when someone might wear the sunny gemstone to protect against snake bites or evil thoughts.

Citrine became quite popular in the 1930s and during the Art Deco period, when it was the only known yellow gemstone. Perhaps this is when citrine became known as the gem that would lift the spirits and foster a sunny disposition. In any case, the warm, effervescent yellow of citrine will surely brighten any gray autumn day!