December Gemstone: Blue Topaz

December has arrived, and for those of us living North of the equator, it’s time to dig out your heaviest coats and scarves to avoid the freezing, dreary weather. It’s also a time for holidays, family, spreading joy, and seeking out warmth in every sense of the word…and in that respect, Topaz is a most fitting birthstone for December.

Facets of Time: Topaz’s Natural History

The Topaz can be found naturally in colorless, yellow, blue, green or pink variations, and has often been associated with the sun by ancient civilizations who held the stone in high regard. It is the symbol of Ra, the Sun god, and has also been linked with Apollo. In ancient antiquity, the Greeks and the Romans valued the Topaz as a precious stone. In fact, the gemstone’s name is derived from the Greek word Topaázios, given to the stone by the famous naturalist Pliny the Elder. The word Topaz has an etymology rooted in both Sanskrit and Hebrew, giving it a loose translation of “heat”, “fire”, or “orange”.

While many references have been made Topaz in the Bible and writings from the Middle Ages, it seems that mistranslations of the word found it being used to describe any orange gemstone. Today, it is used only to describe precious silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine that sets it in a class of its own.

 Weightless Carats

Blue Topaz, while a fairly abundant variation of the gemstone, is especially valued by enthusiasts for its stunning bright hue, resembling fine aquamarine. For those concerned with the metaphysical properties of gemstones, the blue topaz is said to be especially useful in promoting creative energy and concentration. Further mystical capabilities of this stone assert its usefulness in warding off premature death, insomnia, greed and sex addiction. Traditional beliefs also suggest the gem can have a calming effect, cure madness and the plague, as well as nightmares and rheumatism.

Sweet Disposition: Gemstone Jewelry

As a birthstone, the Blue Topaz is symbolic of one’s love and affection, which also makes it suitable as an anniversary gift (traditionally given on the 4^th and 19^th anniversaries). The blue topaz’s vibrant color is comparable to blue sapphires and aquamarines when mounted on jewelry, and is especially attractive in a white gold setting that allows the gem’s hue to stand out without clashing. Allurez offers a wide range of blue topaz gemstone rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants.