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a crucible, with powdered charcoal, ashes or sand, then slowly heat
and slowly cool.
Topaz is not artificially produced as yet, but good imitations
are made, as in the case of most colored stones, called doublets.
They are composed of strass, a high order of glass, as a basis, and
are always of inferior hardness.
While there is no true "gem color" with the topaz, the reddish
brown being as pleasing as the golden, this stone may be helped or
hindered by its cut. Unless very large, it should always receive the
brilliant form, which immensely increases its lustre and beauty.
The topaz used to be step cut, but in the United States almost all
good specimens are now cut brilliant, which enhances the charm of
most transparent stones, except possibly the emerald.
Forty years ago, in the zenith of its popularity, the cost of topaz
was about the same as at present, but between then and now it declined
to less than half.
Topaz is, and has been through all ages, and with all nations,
since its discovery four centuries ago, the birthstone for November.
It is also the talismanic gem of April's guardian angel. Though
not known till the sixteenth century, it was met by the general belief,
on the verge of decline, in the esoteric power of gems, and was
immediately dedicated to the cause of friendship, fidelity and fruitfulness.
It proved a favorite stone with the married and, held in the
hand of a woman in childbirth, was said to lessen suffering.
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