Topaz, the birthstone for November, can be found in Brazil and Sri Lanka, and ranges from beautiful brown to yellow, amber, gold, orange, sherry, and red shades. Rare Topaz is pale pink to a sherry red and is found in Pakistan and Russia.

Nowadays there is also blue Topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale Topaz which is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. Since 1998, there has also been a new type of surface-enhanced Topaz, which is blue to greenish-blue or Emerald green.

The Romans believed Topaz to be associated with Jupiter, the god of the sun. The Egyptians also believed the color of Topaz to be related to the sun god Ra. They incorporated it into amulets used for protection against harm. Greeks believed it gave strength in times of emergency. Its curative powers were thought to wax and wane with the phases of the moon, and at given times it could prevent asthma, insomnia, and hemorrhages. It was also said to be a warning of poison, changing color when it was in its presence, and was believed by many to improve eyesight.

The Portuguese royal crown contains a large specimen of Topaz which was originally thought to be a diamond. The Green Vault in Dresden, a famous gem collection, contains an impressive Topaz as well.

Like a diamond, a Topaz is extremely hard, but can be split with a single forceful blow, and should be protected.