Color: Pure topaz is colorless, but it also occurs in a
broad range of colors: yellow, blue, pink, peach, gold, green, red, and brown. Some
natural yellow stones are heated to become permanently pink (pinked topaz).
Description: Topaz is an aluminum fluorite silicate
containing fluorine and has a chemical formula of Al2F2SiO4.
It is one of the few gem minerals which, under suitable conditions, grow into enormous
crystals. Topaz typically occurs in cavities in rhyolites and granite, in pegmatite dikes,
and in high-temperature veins with cassiterite and tourmaline.
The stone is transparent with a vitreous luster. A light yellow, brown and pink variety of
topaz are valued as a gemstone. The pure crystals of topaz used a great deal in jewelry.
The name's origin: The name topaz is derived from the
Indian Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. According to another theory topaz derives
its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone
which they called by this name, but which was the modern chrysolite or peridot.
Birthstone: Topaz along with citrine are birthstones of
Scorpius (Scorpion): Oct. 24 - Nov. 21.
Wedding anniversary: Topaz is the anniversary gemstone
for the 4th and 19th year of marriage.
Imperial topaz is the anniversary gemstone for the 23rd year of marriage.
Varieties: Nothing compares to the sparkling brilliance of Blue
Topaz. Orange-red Imperial Topaz is rare.
Care and treatment: As topaz has a hardness of 8, keep your
gems in separate boxes to protect other jewelry from scratches. Also avoid large
temperature changes. Topaz often becomes paler if kept out in the sun. Do not clean topaz
in a home ultrasonic cleaner. The best way to clean topaz is warm soapy water.
From the stone history: It is believed that the topaz of
modern mineralogists was unknown to the ancients and that the stone called topazos was the
mineral chrysolite or peridot.
In ancient times, a figure of a falcon carved on a Topaz was thought to help earn the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. Topaz is Stone of Strength noted by Greeks. During medieval days it was thought to heal physical and mental disorders as well as prevent death.
In 1750 a Parisian jeweler discovered that the yellow Brazilian topaz becomes pink on
exposure to a moderate heat, and this treatment has since been extensively applied, so
that nearly all the pink topaz occurring in jewelry has been heat-treated. Such
"burnt topaz" is often known as Brazilian ruby, as is the very rare, natural red
topaz.
Shopping guide: Topaz looks beautiful in rings, bracelets,
necklaces, and pendants. Blue Topaz is available in a variety of shades, sizes and shapes.
Red and intense pink are the most rare and most desirable colors for topaz. Pure topaz
when brilliant-cut sometimes is mistaken for diamond.
Healing ability: Topaz stimulates an endocrine system. It
assists in general tissue regeneration. Topaz is valuable in the treatment of hemorrhages.
It also increases poor appetite and helps fighting blood disorders.
Mystical power: Topaz balances emotions and calms passions.
It releases tension and gives feelings of joy. Topaz is known as spiritual rejuvenation
gemstone.
Deposits: Important sources of topaz are in Russia, Siberia,
Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and China, Japan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Australia, Mexico,
and in the United States (in Maine, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, and Utah). In the
United States the best topaz has been worked near Pikes Peak, Colorado, and in San Diego
county, California. The largest known deposits are located in Minas Gerais in Brazil.
The finest British topaz is found in the Cairngorm Mountains in the Central Highlands,
especially at Ben a Buird, Scotland. The famous topaz rock of the Schneckenstein, in
Germany, yields pale yellow crystals.
Fine topaz occurs at several localities in the Urals and in Siberia, Russia, and beautiful
crystals come from Takayama and Tanokamiyama in Japan.
The information for mineralogist: Topaz has a hardness of
8.