November Birthstone Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz

November Birthstone

What Is The Beautiful November Birthstone?

Prized for its hardness—in fact, one of the strongest naturally occurring minerals—topaz ranks as an 8 on the MOHS hardness scale; it is third in hardness, with Sapphires ranked at 9 on the scale, and diamond, of course, at a hearty 10.

Color-Treated

Color-treated to transform into a radiant blue, this variation of the stone is, in reality, an intensely saturated yellow gemstone from Brazil.

Imperial

With its origins in Russia as a red crystal, this variation is renowned for its connection to seventeenth-century Russian Tsars, who claimed ownership over this sunset-hued gemstone.

November Birthstone Blue Topaz

As the most sought-after variety, the blue stone also occurs in a warm champagne hue that is sometimes mistaken for quartz stone due to the similar nature of the two distinct stones. The resemblance is often so confusing that official testing is needed to differentiate between the two.

The History of Topaz

November birthstone blue topaz — Blue Topaz

The November birthstone has a long and fascinating history. The ancient Greeks attributed their love of topaz to their belief that it endowed them with immense strength and vitality.

In contrast, early European culture believed it could counteract evil magic spells and dispel unchecked anger.

For centuries, people in India have believed the stone, worn above the heart, would assure long life and beauty. It’s even thought that it could act as a calming stone, capable of inspiring relaxation, and even as a tool to ward off bad dreams. Topaz continues to inspire us even today: some even believe they can guard themselves against evil by adorning themselves with the tantalizing stone.

Most importantly, this beautiful stone in a ring (particularly blue), or broach, necklace, or even earrings, is a wonderful celebration gem of every event, from the traditional fourth and twenty-third wedding anniversaries, to a treasured November birthday.

What Color is Topaz?

Many do not know that Topaz, in its earliest state, is colorless; impurities are the catalysts that turn it almost any hue, from yellow to amber, being the traditional tones, to blue, and even the Imperial variety, which is a reddish-orange gem with pink undertones. The latter is considered the most valuable form of the captivating stone.