Topaz is an aluminum silicate that contains fluorine and hydroxyl and, while colorless in its pure form, impurities cause topaz to take on any color of the rainbow. The word topaz derives from the ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island, Topazios. Throughout the ages all yellow gems were considered topaz even though many of them were actually other stones and, ironically, the yellow stones mined at St. John’s Island probably weren’t even topaz.

Ancient Egyptians believed that yellow topaz received its color from Ra, the sun god while Hindus believed topaz worn above the heart prevented thirst and assured long life, beauty, and intelligence. In fifteenth century Rome topaz was used to detect poisons, calm anger, and break spells. Considered a soothing stone, topaz is believed to calm tempers, cure madness, and eliminate nightmares.