History & Mythology:

The name topaz comes from , an island in the Red Sea. The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. This Jade topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional topaz are pale pink to a sherry red. Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Medically, topaz was believed to cure asthma, insomnia and burns. In the 19th century pink topaz was discovered in Russia. This gemstone was so coveted that only the Czar, his family, and those he gave it to were allowed ownership!

Perhaps the most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza, which was fist thought to be a diamond. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one of the world's important gem collections. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz, which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation.

Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks. Topaz is the birthstone for those born in the month of November.

November's birthstone was worn to protect against evil, to strengthen intellect, and prevent bad dreams. Some thought topaz could make one invisible during emergencies.

Citrine quartz, a less expensive alternative, has falsely been called "gold topaz" for many years. That is why real topaz is sometimes called "precious" or "imperial" topaz. The most common color of precious topaz is yellow with a tint of red. Today, Brazil is the origin of the rarest and most valuable topaz, which is pink. Topazes have been found weighing several pounds. The Smithsonian has cut stones of several thousand carats. In recent years, blue topaz has surpassed Aquamarine in sales, because of cost and availability. In fact blue topaz has become the most popular non-traditional colored stone in this country! It has been used as December, November and March birthstones. Some jewelers have some ambivalence about selling blue topaz, whose hues are dependent on radiation techniques. There is no danger to the public because the stones are held until radiation disappears.

Specifications:

• Color: Colorless, yellow, orange, light red, light blue
• Transparency: Transparent
• Refractive Index: 1.619 - 1.627 (+/- .01)
• Specific Gravity: 3.49 - 3.57
• Florescence: None to weak, varies with color
• Hardness: 8
• Toughness: Poor
• Principle Sources: Brazil, Sri-Lanka, Burma, USA, Africa, Russia

Care & Handling:

Topaz, in any of its permutations is a very durable stone and can be worn for any occasions. Any mild jewelry cleaner works well for cleaning Topaz.

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Last modified: November 20, 2009