Birthstone Unicorns - Topaz

Welcome to November and another birthstone post. Topaz is the traditional birthstone for this month. It is usually found in shades of yellow, gold and brown perfect for the days of autumn. Although it can also be found in various shades of blue, green and pink. There is even a colourless topaz! Said to promote feelings of happiness in the wearer, it is associated with loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. Health benefits are thought to be related to balancing emotions and easing tension. Not one of the gems I can say I own yet, but I think they are so beautiful I hope to add one to my collection soon.

Want to learn more? Read on for some fun facts and myths surrounding this gorgeous gemstone.

• The most famous topaz is one of the colourless variety! Due to this it was originally thought to be a diamond. At 1680 carats it is known as the 'Braganza Diamond' and can be found in the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
• In the 19th century pink topaz was discovered in Russia. So prized that ownership was only allowed by the Czar and family.
• The Egyptians believed that topaz's golden glow came from the sun god, Ra. They wore it to prevent injury.
• The Romans too believed there were connections with the god of the sun, Jupiter. They also thought it improved eyesight.
• Whilst Ancient Greeks thought it had the power to enhance strength or even make the wearer invisible in times of emergency!
• During the Middle Ages they thought it helped heal physical and mental disorders and might even prevent death.
• Sufferers from disorders as diverse as insomnia, burns and asthma were told powdered topaz cured in wine might alleviate their symptoms.
• Other 'health' benefits suggested over the centuries include,making you more intelligent, curing sadness and even curing the sores caused by the plague. Set in gold and worn round the neck it was said to ward off bad charms. It has been said to change colour in the presence of poisoned food or drink. 
• It's mystical powers were thought to be strongest in moonlight and to alter with the phases of the moon.
• Topaz is a hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, so should be protected from hard knocks.

Born in November? Here is the verse from the Gregorian poem by unknown author.

"Who first comes to this world below

In dreary November's fog and snow

Should prize the topaz amber hue

Emblem of friends and lovers true."

                                                   

Learnt something new today or celebrating this month? Check out the link at the top of the page to catch up with an excerpt from Topaz the Birthstone Unicorn's adventure. Have fun! 

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Before I go just time to add a short weekly celebration, thanks to Viklit at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for hosting. Visit her blog to find out more and join us!

This week I'm celebrating;

1. Adding another 2,000 words to my WIP
2. Finally getting to actually see the woodpecker who lives in the tree in our garden. I've heard it many times, visitors to our house have seen it but until this week I haven't caught so much as a glimpse! However, something very tasty is obviously living in our grass at the moment and he has been strutting around the garden as if he owns the place!
3. Cleaning the oven - enough said!