TOPAZ "FIRE"

The name Topaz itself, according to Pliny, was derived from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea that was probably the early source of peridot. The island was named for a Greek word meaning “to guess” because it was often obscured by fog and difficult to find. Some present day authorities believe the name is a derivative of the Sanskrit word “topas” meaning “fire.”

Perhaps no other gem has had more varied or preposterous powers ascribed to it. When worn, it was said to drive away sadness, strengthen intellect and bestow courage. It has been considered the stone of fruitfulness and faithfulness and believed capable of bestowing cheerfulness, calming passions and preventing bad dreams. The powers of the Topaz were also thought to increase and decrease with changes of the moon.

Topaz has long been used as the birthstone for the month of November and according to old verse,

“Who first comes to this world below
with drear November’s fog and snow
Should prize the topaz’s amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.”

Jo, Atkins Jewelry