topaz It is a precious stone highly 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 gems that has caused the most controversy. Well, it has been confused with other precious stones and especially with the diamond.
So it is not surprising that according to its colors it has also acquired various names over time. Without a doubt, 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 this gemstone got its name from a small island in the Red Sea called ‘Topazos’. Place where large deposits of golden stones were found. What is interesting is that the precious stones that were extracted from its mines were not topaz, but peridot.
Perhaps the controversy is due to the fact that, at that time, any stone brown-gold and even green was considered a topaz. Well, the crystalline differences between topazes and peridots were not known.
Another theory surrounding the origin of its name suggests that it was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ which means fire.
2. The Rainbow Gem
Although topaz is most often found in brown and blue. What many are unaware of is that it naturally also comes in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, violet, and green. Meanwhile, treated topazes come in a wide range 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 in the same crystal it has striking colors ranging from reddish orange to orangutan red. It is believed that less than 1% of all topaz gems show this characteristic.
In the case of blue topaz, it is considered an extremely valuable gem. Because, it is one of the blue gemstones with good hardness and brilliance. Features that tend to be rare and quite expensive. The fact that colorless, yellow and brown topazes are cheaper is because they are the most abundant varieties. But also when treated with heat, irradiation, and coating they alter their color.
4. Connection to Russian Royalty
As we have mentioned, imperial topaz is one of the most valuable varieties of this gemstone. However, what is interesting is that it receives this name because it was used in the jewels intended for the family of the Russian Tsar in the 18th and 19th centuries. Specifically, it was a gem whose use was strictly restricted only to the Tsar and his family.
5. A stone with mystical powers
The ancient Greeks believed that using this stone could help increase their strength and that it could also grant the wearer the power of invisibility. Also in ancient times, many people used topaz, because they believed that it could prevent death and cure various physical and mental problems. Among them: treat low immunity, obesity, anxiety, muscle cramps and joint pain.
Topaz is also believed to attract wealth and money.
6. Gemstone of love
Topaz not only represents love and fidelity, but is also said to be able to strengthen and accentuate the bond between those who love each other. Therefore, it is considered the perfect gift for a wedding or anniversary. In fact, it is the traditional stone for the 4th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
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. This gem found in Brazil in 1740 and weighing 1680 carats was called Diamond of Braganza. 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 has a history of producing large crystals. Their sizes can reach up to 4 feet and can weigh hundreds of pounds. The Museum of Natural History in New York houses the heaviest topaz weighing around 600 pounds. The largest faceted gemstone in the world, called ‘El-Dorado Topaz’ weighs in at a staggering 31,000 carats, which is equivalent to 6.2 kg.
9. Where can we find it?
Topaz is found in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Zimbabwe, Germany, and the United States. It is also the official stone of the states of Utah and Texas.
10. Topaz is perfect for everyday use
Ranking 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the Topaz gemstone is a durable and long-lasting gemstone that is the perfect choice for everyday jewelry. However, it requires proper care to prevent chips and cracks.
11. Topaz is the official birthstone for November.
Although topaz is the official birthstone for November, the alternate birthstone is golden citrine. Unlike alternative birthstones of other months that often differ completely from the official birthstone, citrine and topaz are so similar that they are often confused. Citrine is a variety of quartz that occurs in shades of golden yellow or deep orange and brown. Topaz is a much more diverse option.