December's Birthstone

This gorgeous golden toned gemstone was first made fashionable as jewelry by Russians throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. A silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, it is often found amongst granite rocks. Most Topaz is discovered in very light shades and is typically it is found in South America, but also maintains a presence in Sri Lanka , Africa and China .

Topaz is legendary for improving vision and breaking spells or charms. The ancient Greeks believed it could make a person stronger if he or she was wearing it. People from Egypt believed it was a gift from the god of the sun because of its illuminating, golden glow.

A yellow birthstone for November, Topaz is simultaneously the birthstone for December in its blue form. Though the stone can be a wide variety of colors it is most prized as blue, yellow or pink. Some rare varieties of Topaz are pastel pink and sherry red.

Ranked an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Topaz is suitable for every day wear but is susceptible to damage from a hard strike or blow. Heat or low-grade irradiation is a permanent treatment often used to bring out the utmost brilliancy of the stone's color.