Topaz is a precious stone very appreciated in jewelry not only for its hardness but also for its great variety of colors. However, due to the different colors in which it can be found, it has become one of the most controversial gemstones. It has been confused with other precious stones and especially with diamonds.
So it is not strange that according to its colors it has also acquired different denominations over time. Undoubtedly, it is a fascinating stone that has also been assigned supernatural powers since ancient times. So, if you are a gemstone lover, here are some other interesting facts about topaz that you will surely want to know.
1. Where does your name come from?
It is believed that topaz received its name from a small island in the Red Sea called “Topazos”. It is a place where large deposits of golden stones were found. What is interesting is that the precious stones extracted from its mines were not topaz, but peridot.
Perhaps the controversy is due to the fact that, at that time, any brownish-golden or even green stone was considered a topaz. The crystalline differences between topaz and peridot were not known.
Another theory about the origin of its name suggests that it was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ meaning fire.
2.The rainbow gemstone
Topaz is most often found in brown and blue. Even though, what many do not know is that it naturally also comes in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, violet and green. Treated topaz, on the other hand, also comes in a wide variety of colors, most often blue.
3. What are your most valuable topaz colors?
The most prized varieties of topaz in jewelry are imperial topaz and blue topaz. Imperial topaz is especially valuable due to its rarity, as it has striking colors ranging from reddish orange to orangutan red in a single crystal. It is believed that less than 1% of all topaz gems exhibit this characteristic.
In the case of blue topaz, it is considered a valuable gemstone, because, it is extremely one of the blue gemstones with good hardness and luster; characteristics that tend to be rare and quite expensive. The fact that colorless, yellow and brown topazes are cheaper is due to the fact that they are the most abundant varieties. But also when they are treated with heat, irradiation, and coating, they alter their color.
4. Connection with Russian Royalty
As we have mentioned, imperial topaz is one of the most valuable varieties of this gemstone. However, the interesting thing is that it is so named because it was used in the jewelry intended for the Russian Tsar’s family in the 18th and 19th centuries. Specifically, it was a gemstone whose use was strictly restricted only for the Tsar and his family.
5. A stone with mystical powers
The ancient Greeks believed that using this stone could help them increase their strength and that it could also give the wearer the power of invisibility. Also in antiquity, many people used topaz because they believed it could prevent death and cure various physical and mental problems. Among them: treating low immunity, obesity, anxiety, muscle cramps and joint pains. Also believed to attract wealth and money.
6. Precious stone of love
Topaz not only represents love and fidelity, but it is also said to be able to strengthen and accentuate the bond between those who love each other. This is why it is considered the perfect gift for a wedding or anniversary. In fact, it is the traditional stone for wedding anniversaries 4 and 19.
7. the most famous topaz was mistaken for a diamond
For many years it was believed that the most famous topaz in history was a diamond. The gem in question was found in Brazil in 1740 and weighing 1680 carats was called the Braganza Diamond. The confusion arose because this topaz is totally colorless, just like a diamond.
Such was the confusion that it came to be placed in the Portuguese crown as the largest diamond of its time. But now this great gem is recognized as a colorless topaz and one of the most popular topazes in the world.
8. Its largest specimens are giants
Topaz is one of the few gemstones that enjoy a historic reputation for being found in large crystals. In fact, the largest topaz can reach up to 4 feet and weigh hundreds of pounds.
An example of this can be seen in the Museum of Natural History in New York. It is a topaz of approximately 600 pounds, known as the heaviest topaz. Likewise, the largest faceted gemstone in the world is a topaz called “El Dorado”, which weighs 31,000 carats, equivalent to 6.2 kg.
9. Where can we find it?
Although topaz is found in many countries around the world, the most popular sources include Brazil, Russia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Germany and the United States. In fact, it is recognized as the official state stone of Utah and Texas.
10. Topaz is perfect for everyday wear
A value of 8 on the Mohs scale makes Topaz a durable gemstone, so it can be the perfect choice for everyday jewelry. However, it is a stone that nonetheless requires some special care to avoid chips and cracks.
11. Topaz is the official birthstone of November
While topaz is the official birthstone for November, it is not the only one. For this month also has an alternative birthstone in the form of the golden citrine. Although it is worth noting that unlike other alternative birthstones for other months, which usually differ from the official birthstone, citrine and topaz are so similar that they can often be confused.