HISTORY AND LORE OF TOPAZ

     The yellow Topaz birthstone is modernly associated with the month of November. The blue Topaz is associated with the month of December.   It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 19th year of marriage.

     The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sankrit word tapas meaning fire. It is most probably derived from a place of discovery on an island in the Red Sea, now Zebirget but formerly Topzaos.  The etymology is Middle English topace, from Old French, from Latin topazus, from Greek topazos.  A usually yellow to brownish yellow transparent mineral that is essentially a silicate of aluminum.

     In ancient times, a figure of a falcon was carved on a Topaz was thought to help acquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Greeks felt Topaz gave them strength.