Topaz is a gender-neutral name of Latin origin, meaning "Golden Gem." The name is derived from the ancient name of St. John's Island in the Red Sea, where a yellow stone (now believed to be chrysolite) was mined in ancient times. Topaz is also a silicate mineral used as a gemstone in jewelry and other adornments. It occurs naturally as colorless, pale blue, or golden-brown to yellow-orange, and can be treated to achieve various colors like deep blue, reddish-orange, pale green, pink, or purple. Topaz is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals with a relatively low index of refraction. It is often associated with felsic igneous, sedimentary, and hydrothermally altered rocks and is commonly sourced from places like Brazil and Russia. Topaz is also the birthstone for November and is associated with the symbol of friendship. This golden gem has a rich history and cultural significance, believed to grant beauty, intelligence, and protection from danger. Ethically sourcing topaz is important, as it ensures the gemstone's origin is known.