November birthstone

Topaz: the November birthstone

Topaz symbolizes love, affection, strength and good fortune. Its color, history, care, value and where it comes from.

Birth month: November
Hardness: 8 Mohs
Anniversary: 4th (blue topaz) & 23rd
Sources: Brazil (imperial topaz), Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan and the US (Utah state gem)

Color

Precious "imperial" topaz is golden orange to pink. Most blue topaz is treated colorless topaz. Citrine, the second November stone, is sunny yellow quartz.

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History & lore

Ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength, and Renaissance Europeans thought it could break spells. Russia's 19th-century imperial topaz, mined in the Ural Mountains, was reserved for the czar's family.

Care

Hard, but it can split along its cleavage if knocked. Clean with soapy water and avoid steam.

Value

Blue topaz and citrine are very affordable. Natural imperial topaz is rarer and costs more.

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Questions, answered

What month is topaz the birthstone for?

Topaz is the November birthstone.

What does topaz symbolize?

Topaz symbolizes love, affection, strength and good fortune.

How hard is topaz?

Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale. Hard, but it can split along its cleavage if knocked. Clean with soapy water and avoid steam.

Where is topaz found?

Brazil (imperial topaz), Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan and the US (Utah state gem).