Topaz is usually a yellow to brownish-yellow transparent gemstone. The stones of this most typical color of topaz are sometimes referred to as "golden topaz" or "sherry topaz", but other colors such as pink or "imperial topaz", blue and colorless are fairly common.
In earlier times the name topaz mainly referred to a gemstone now called olivine extracted on an island then known as Topazos or St. John in the Red Sea. The name was probably also given to other yellow stones which were indistinguishable from one another without adequate knowledge of chemistry and mineralogy.
Topaz is said to have been one of the stones used in the breastplate of the ancient high priest and was the ninth foundation stone in the wall of the New Jerusalem.
Topaz is considered quite precious by the African bushmen, being used in ceremonies for healing and for connecting with spirits.
Blue Topaz - inspires leadership ability.
Clear Topaz - helps us to communicate with natural spirits.
Golden Topaz - builds generosity and happiness.
Green Topaz - guides us toward forgiveness and understanding.
Pink Topaz - promotes honor and truth.
Golden Topaz is the birthstone for November, symbolizing fidelity, and the zodiac stone for Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21).
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