TOPAZ

Topaz is an aluminum, hydroxyl-fluorine silicate, found primarily in gem pegmatites. Minas Gerais in Brazil is the largest producer of topaz.  Many consumers know topaz as simply an inexpensive blue gem. They’re surprised to learn that its blue color is hardly ever natural and almost always is caused by treatment.  They might also be surprised to know that topaz has so many more colors to offer gem lovers, including pinks and purples that rival the finest fancy sapphires.  Imperial topaz is a medium reddish orange to orange-red. This is one of the gem’s most expensive colors. Sherry topaz—named after the sherry wine—is a yellowish brown or brownish yellow to orange. Stones in this color range are often called precious topaz to help distinguish them from the similarly colored but less expensive citrine and smoky quartz.

Topaz is renowned for its ability to form huge crystals. There is a topaz crystal in the Smithsonian weighing 156 pounds.

THE HISTORY

The name Topaz is derived from the island Topazus, just off the coast of Egypt. It is the same island where the best peridots were historically mined (present-day Zagbargad). The word topaz comes from the Troglodytae language, an ancient Ethiopian tribe, and means to seek due to the fact that the island was always covered in a fog.

The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. In Europe during the Renaissance (the period from the 1300s to the 1600s) people thought that topaz could break magic spells and dispel anger. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty, and intelligence.

The name for imperial topaz originated in nineteenth-century Russia. At the time, the Ural Mountains were topaz’s leading source, and the pink gemstone mined there was named to honor the Russian czar. Ownership of the gem was restricted to the royal family.

Today, golden topaz is the birthstone for November and blue topaz is an alternative birthstone for December.  Topaz commemorates the 4th and 23rd anniversary.

CARING FOR TOPAZ

Since topaz grows as elongated crystals that are relatively eye clean, this makes them ideal as faceted emerald cut stones with deep pavilions to elevate color. It is a hard and durable gemstone making it perfect for everyday wear.

​Topaz can be cleaned with a soft brush in warm soapy water or wiped clean with a soft cloth. When stored, it should be wrapped to prevent it from scratching softer stones or it being scratched by harder stones. Avoid harsh chemicals when wearing this stone or any kind of jewelry.