November
Topaz, long regarded as a healing stone, is the birthstone of November. Learn the theories about its name, where it is found, and what is credited to it.
The birthstone of the month of November - topaz, pitdah
Those born in November are sensitive people who manage to combine feeling with reason. The birthstone of those born in November is the topaz, known as a healing stone.
There are several kinds of topaz, and the most valuable of them is the topaz whose color is golden brown through to a reddish color. There is a view that the topaz was chosen as the stone of November because its color recalls the leaves of the European autumn and the glow of an Indian summer.
Properties: topaz is associated with wisdom, clarity of thought and inner illumination. It helps one to focus and to attain clarity of thought. It assists in achieving goals, strengthens self-confidence and brings inner tranquillity.
These stones are known as stones of abundance, success and tranquillity
Symbolism: a stone of confidence, success and calm.
The origin of the name topaz
The origin of the stone's name is not known, and so there are several hypotheses. One hypothesis holds that the origin of the name is from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means fire, recalling the color of the yellow topaz.
Another hypothesis is that the origin of the name comes from the name of an island in the Red Sea called Topazios, where rare gemstones were once found. The island was covered in mist and it was difficult to find. The word topazios means to search. And hence the name of the island and of the stone.
The topaz in Judaism
The second stone in the first row of stones in the breastplate of the High Priest is the pitdah stone. It may be that the pitdah stone is today's topaz. Exodus 28:15–21: "And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgement, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it… And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd…"
"Simeon is inscribed upon pitdah, and it is green like a leek, and Onkelos translates it yarkan, and it is called prashma. And it was given to Simeon because their faces turned green - the face of Zimri, and likewise everyone of the tribe of Simeon who sinned in the sin of Moab; and our Sages said that the sign of transgression is dropsy. And its virtue is that it cools the body. And it is therefore found in the land of Cush, where they are hot and steeped in licentiousness and need it to cool them; and this is what is said, 'the topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it', for because it is found in Cush it was attributed to Cush."
(The breastplate stones according to Midrash Talpiyot, the book of Rabbi Eliyahu HaKohen of the 17th–18th century who lived in Izmir, Turkey)
Properties and healing virtues of the topaz
Over the years many magical properties have been attributed to the topaz, such as: driving away sadness, conferring courage, calming intense passions, strengthening love, wisdom, banishing evil forces and healing many illnesses.
The multitude of beliefs and healing virtues attributed to the topaz proves the great importance that was accorded to the stone.
The topaz is a very complex gemstone from a mineral point of view, and it is also difficult to work; therefore, despite its high hardness (8), it is a stone that cleaves very easily, and when setting the stone care must be taken not to press on it so as not to split it.
When polished, the topaz is very similar in color to citrine, and it is difficult for an untrained person to tell them apart. That said, in a gemological laboratory it is easy to distinguish between the stones, since the topaz has a specific gravity 40% higher than the specific gravity of citrine.
Mining the topaz
Topaz can be found in Brazil, Mexico, California, Texas, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Russia, Burma, Russia and also in various countries in Africa.
Alternative stones: citrine, beryl, tiger's eye.
Choosing a November topaz
Warm golden topaz is a hard-wearing and affordable November birthstone for rings and pendants. Comparing certified stones from a direct supplier helps you judge color and clarity for the price; Israel Diamonds offers loose topaz (opens in new tab) you can set to your own design.
