Blue Topaz - Gem of Clarity and Strength

Blue Topaz, a shimmering gemstone used as the birthstone for the month of December, is a pale to medium blue-colored gem. Its name is thought to be derived from the island of Topazios in the Red Sea, where it was originally found. Others believe that its name may have come from the Sanskrit word “Topas”, meaning fire, and was used to describe the fiery-red variety of Topaz.

Although Topaz can naturally be found in many colors, it is Blue Topaz that has won the hearts of the American population, making it the most popular colored stone in this country. In fact, Blue Topaz was designated as the Texas state gem in 1969. As a light blue-colored gemstone, Blue Topaz has surpassed Aquamarine in sales, largely due to its availability and cost.

The ancient Greeks thought that Topaz had the power to increase one’s stamina, prevent bad dreams, protect against evil, and to sharpen one’s intellect. Topaz was said to give its wearer a long life, to make one beautiful, and even invisible in times of need. Topaz was also believed to change color if the food or drink was poisoned, thus increasing its popularity among emperors and kings. Its mystical healing powers, such as bringing clarity and peace of mind to a turbulent soul, were said to be linked to the moon – it waxed and waned. Topaz was said to cure insomnia, eyesight, burns, and asthma.

Blue Topaz is specifically known as the gem that has the power to improve one’s communication skills. It is an excellent choice to wear to an interview to bring clarity and strength to one’s speaking ability. In addition, Blue Topaz can aid in drawing a balance between overconfidence and a healthy degree of self-esteem. Some say it may even help when praying, as it can increase one’s understanding of the ways of the universe.

Blue Topaz is a very durable gemstone, and like a diamond, can be easily split with a single blow. Although Blue Topaz is found in Nature, it is not sold commercially. Instead, Blue Topaz is created from pale Topaz through a technique known as irradiation, or a chemical enhancement to the stone itself.

Topaz is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Nigeria, and China. In the American Southwest, Topaz is found in San Diego County, California, the Thomas Mountain Range of Utah, Pikes Peak, Colorado, and the Llano Uplift region of Texas. A famous Blue Topaz hunting ground is located in the Hill Country of Mason County, Texas, where North America's largest known gem-quality Topaz was discovered in 1904. This 1,296-gram, pale-blue crystal can now be found in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.