| Famous
November Birthdays |
| Daniel
Boone |
Roseanne
Barr |
| Charles
Bronson |
Leonardo
DiCaprio |
| Laura
Bush |
Sally
Field |
| Margaret
Mitchell |
John
Phillip Sousa |
| Billy
Graham |
Maria
Shriver |
| Morley
Safer |
Walter
Cronkite |
| Demi
Moore |
Prince
Charles |
| Jamie
Lee Curtis |
Whoopie
Goldberg |
| Daisy
Fuentes |
Larry
King |
| Calvin
Klein |
Jody
Foster |
| Goldie
Hawn |
Dick
Clark |
| Billy
The Kid |
Mark
Twain |
|
| TOPAZ-The
name topaz, the November birthstone, comes
from a Sanskrit word meaning fire. And in
ancient lore, it could be used to control
heat. It was said to have the power to
cool boiling water, as well as excessive
anger. As medication, topaz was used to
cure fever. Topaz was once thought to
strengthen the mind, increase wisdom, and
prevent mental disorders. It was thought
to guard against sudden death. Powdered
topaz added to wine was used to prevent
asthma and insomnia. A cure for weak
vision called for immersing the stone in
wine for three days and nights, then
rubbing the liquid on the eyes. |
|
During
the Middle Ages, the topaz was used mostly
by royalty and clergy. A 13th century
belief held that a topaz engraved with a
falcon helped its wearer cultivate the
goodwill of kings, princes and magnates.
|
| Brazil
is the largest producer of topaz, the most
notable source being the Minas Gerais
region. Gems are also found in Russia, the
Ukraine, Pakistan, Scotland, Japan and Sri
Lanka. In the United States, the gemstones
have been found in Colorado and
California. |
|
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