Topaz gemstones occur in a large variety of sizes, from tiny crystals to large rocks. The biggest uncut stone was found in Brazil and weighs almost 600 pounds. This specimen is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Topaz is state gemstone of Texas and Utah, and is the birthstone for November. Some say it derives its name from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire." Another theory, first put forth by Pliny in the first century A.D. is that the name topaz was derived from the Greek word topazos or topazion, meaning "to seek." Most likely, though, topaz derived its name from the Island of Topazos in the Red Sea, which is thought to have been an ancient source for the gem peridot — but not topaz. The name "topaz" was once used to refer to any yellow stone, and until the 18th century, it was indeed used for what's now known as peridot.

The ancient Greeks believed topaz had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Ancient lore holds that it could be used to control heat, including the power to cool boiling water and excessive anger. For this reason, topaz was used as a medication to cure fever. The yellow variety of topaz was officially discovered in the Middle Ages, during a quest for a supreme golden stone. During this period, topaz was used mostly by royalty and clergy. A falcon figurine carved atop a topaz stone was thought to foster the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates, and the topaz was also considered a holy stone signifying St. Matthew. Pilgrims flocked to Rome just to touch the topaz owned by Popes Gregory II and Clement VI, which was said to cure all ailments and bring health. It wasn't until Marco Polo's time, around the 13th Century, that this gemstone began to be widely used for jewelry. In the 17th century, the Braganza "diamond" (1,640 carats) in the Portuguese crown was thought to be the largest diamond ever found. It has since been determined a colorless topaz. In Oscar Wilde's Salome, Herod offers Salome great riches as persuasion to retract her request for the head of John the Baptist. Among the treasures he describes are "topazes as yellow as the eyes of tigers, topazes as pink as the eyes of wood pigeons." For Hindus, topazes worn above the heart are considered to prevent thirst and assure long life, beauty and intelligence.

Mystics today believe topaz will stimulate the endocrine system, balance emotions and improve eyesight. It also is valued in the treatment of hemorrhages, poor appetite and blood disorders, and is referred to as the spiritual rejuvenation gemstone. Topaz is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Germany, Russia, Burma, Nigeria, Japan, China and the U.S.A.