Spinel comes in red, pink, purple and blue. Over the past few centuries, many emperors and monarchs confused red spinel for ruby. For example, the famous 14th century Black Prince’s Ruby placed on the British Imperial Crown is actually spinel, not ruby as the name suggests. Nevertheless, because of its beauty and stark similarities to ruby and sapphire, the gem has traditionally been treasured. Like diamonds, the gem is singly refractive.
Topaz comes from the word topas or topaz meaning fire in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Throughout civilization, the gem has symbolized strength, a long life, beauty, intelligence, and much more. Different elements and imperfections at the atomic level cause topaz to form in various colors. For example, chromium causes topaz to form in natural pink, red, and violet. Precious topaz is a birthstone for November. Blue topaz is the gem for the 4th anniversary. Imperial topaz is the gem for the 23rd anniversary.
