The gemstone topaz is consistently identified as the birthstone following opal in numerous crossword puzzles, most notably appearing in the LA Times crossword on September 7, 2022. While the provided sources primarily focus on this connection to crossword clues, they definitively establish topaz as a recognized birthstone. This article will explore the identification of topaz as a birthstone, its presence in popular culture as evidenced by its frequent appearance in crossword puzzles, and a concise overview of the gem itself, based solely on the information available within the provided sources.
A Gem in Puzzles and Tradition
The consistent association of topaz with the phrase "birthstone after opal" in crossword puzzles highlights its established position within the lexicon of birthstones. Multiple sources – including crossword-solver websites and clue databases – confirm that “TOPAZ” is the accepted solution for this particular clue. This repeated appearance suggests a widespread cultural understanding of topaz as a birthstone, solidifying its place in popular knowledge. The LA Times crossword, specifically mentioned in several sources, serves as a prominent example of this recognition. The sources indicate that the clue appeared on September 7, 2022, and continues to be a frequently encountered puzzle element.
The sources do not elaborate on why topaz follows opal in birthstone order, nor do they detail the historical origins of this sequence. However, the consistent identification within the context of crossword puzzles demonstrates a level of cultural awareness regarding birthstone associations. The inclusion of potential alternative answers, such as "OPALS" and "GEM," alongside their respective lengths and sources, underscores the complexity of crossword clue solutions, but ultimately reinforces "TOPAZ" as the primary and most accurate answer.
Gemological Characteristics – A Brief Overview
The sources offer limited information regarding the gemological properties of topaz. However, they do provide a basic definition of the gem. Topaz is identified as a noun, described as “a light brown the color of topaz,” and also as “a yellow quartz.” This suggests that topaz can exhibit a range of colors, including brown and yellow. The definition also links it to quartz, indicating a shared mineralogical relationship, though the precise nature of this relationship is not detailed.
Further definitions provided include “AFTER” as an adverb meaning “happening at a time subsequent to a reference time,” and as an adjective meaning “located farther aft.” These definitions, while relevant to the context of the crossword clues, do not contribute to an understanding of the gemstone itself. The inclusion of related LA Times crossword answers, such as definitions for “TOPAZ” as a color and “AFTER” as a preposition, further emphasizes the puzzle-centric nature of the provided information.
Cultural Significance – Limited Insights
The sources do not offer substantial information regarding the cultural significance or historical lore surrounding topaz. The limited definitions provided do not touch upon any symbolic meanings, metaphysical beliefs, or historical uses of the gem. The focus remains firmly on its identification as a solution to a crossword puzzle clue.
However, the very fact that topaz is recognized as a birthstone implies a degree of cultural significance. Birthstones, by their nature, are imbued with symbolic meaning and are often associated with specific personality traits or fortunes. The sources do not elaborate on these associations for topaz, but the gem’s consistent identification as a birthstone suggests that such beliefs exist.
Topaz in Crossword Databases
The sources demonstrate the existence of extensive crossword puzzle databases and solver tools. Websites like crossword-solver.io, word-grabber.com, and crosswordsolver.com are specifically mentioned as resources for finding answers to crossword clues. These platforms categorize clues and answers, providing users with a searchable database of crossword puzzle information. The inclusion of information such as the date the clue appeared (September 7, 2022, for the LA Times clue) and the source of the clue (LA Times Daily, USA Today, New York Times Mini, etc.) highlights the meticulous nature of these databases.
The ranking system used by crossword-solver.io, which assigns a 98% probability to "TOPAZ" as the answer to the "Birthstone after opal" clue, demonstrates the use of statistical analysis in identifying the most likely solutions. The inclusion of alternative answers with lower probabilities (3% for "OPALS" and "GEM," 2% for "LMN," etc.) acknowledges the potential for ambiguity in crossword clues.
A Table Summarizing the Key Information
| Clue | Answer | Length | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birthstone after opal | TOPAZ | 5 | LA Times Daily | Sep 7, 2022 |
| October birthstones | OPALS | 5 | ||
| Opal or moonstone | GEM | 3 | USA Today | Sep 22, 2025 |
| Milky birthstone | OPAL | 4 |
This table summarizes the key information regarding the "Birthstone after opal" clue and its associated answers, as presented in the provided sources. It highlights the dominance of "TOPAZ" as the primary solution.
Conclusion
The provided sources, while limited in scope, definitively establish topaz as the gemstone identified as the birthstone following opal, particularly within the context of crossword puzzles. The consistent appearance of this association in popular crossword puzzles, such as those published by the LA Times, demonstrates a widespread cultural recognition of topaz as a birthstone. The sources offer a basic definition of topaz as a light brown or yellow quartz, but provide minimal information regarding its gemological properties, historical significance, or cultural lore. The primary focus remains on its role as a solution to a specific crossword puzzle clue, highlighting the intersection of gemology and popular culture. The existence of comprehensive crossword puzzle databases further underscores the public’s engagement with this type of wordplay and the enduring appeal of birthstone knowledge.