One of the famous gemstones is topaz. When properly processed, it becomes truly beautiful and leaves no one indifferent. Topazes are recognized by their pronounced shine and variety of colors. At the same time, the stone is quite affordable in the price range.
General information about the mineral
| Name | Topaz |
| Title in English | Topaz |
| Chem. formula | Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
| singonia | Rhombic |
| Origin of name: | Named after the island of Topasos in the Red Sea. In ancient times the name was probably used for the gemstone now known as Peridot. |
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Basic physical properties
| Color | Blue, Colorless, White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Cleavage | Imperfect (not observed) |
| Mohs hardness | 8 |
| Density, g/cm³ | 3,5-3,6 |
| Morphology | The crystals are predominantly prismatic; Crystals often have many faces belonging to pinacoids and pyramids. Less commonly found in the form of columnar aggregates and granular masses. |
Topaz deposits
The Ilmen Mineralogical Reserve, located in the Urals in Russia, contains numerous topaz deposits in pegmatite veins.
Both colorless and colored topazes are found here, weighing up to 30 kg. The color and shape of the crystals depends on the specific mining sites. Thus, transparent topazes are located in drusy cavities of amazonite granite pegmatite. Blue and yellow topazes are found in vein granite pegmatites, bright blue topazes are found in complex granite-pegmatite layers, pink and cherry topazes are located in quartz veins.
The deposits of Brazil, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka are also rich in topaz.
Deposits in Ukraine
Zhytomyr Oblast
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Volodarsk-Volynskoe pegmatite field
- Pegmatite No. 206
Mine No. 2
- Pegmatite No. 429
- Pegmatite No. 468
Mine No. 3
- Pegmatite No. 569
- Pegmatite No. 597
Pit No. 373″
Transcarpathian region
Mukachevo district
- Podulki tract
History of topaz
Topazes were first discovered on the island of Topazios, located in the Red Sea basin, which is now called Zeberged.
The word itself has roots in two languages: from Greek it is translated “to seek”, and in Sanskrit it means “fire, heat”. The synonymous name for topaz is “heavyweights”, due to the high specific gravity of the gems.
Best time to buy
Any day is suitable for purchasing topaz , except 9 and 15 .
You need using it half a month after purchase.
It is better to buy Rauchtopaz on the 9th lunar day, and wear it starting from the 23rd .
During these two weeks, the gem will try to get used to its owner and align with its energy. If this happens, the stone will change its shade to a softer, more pleasant one (for example, yellow to golden).
Physico-chemical characteristics of topaz
- According to the chemical composition, topazes are mixed aluminosilicates, which contain iron, chromium, and vanadium as impurities.
- Crystals are prismatic or short-columnar. Endowed with high cleavage and rhombic system. In size they are quite large, they can reach a weight of 60-80 kg and more.
- Natural stones are either colorless or come in a variety of colors ranging from golden yellow, pale blue, yellow, tan to violet-red and pink. In bright light they gradually become pale. Topaz is transparent with a glassy sheen.
- Hardness on the Mohs scale is 8, topaz is the standard for determining relative hardness.
- Density from 3.49 to 3.6 g/cm³.
- The light refraction is 1.606-1.638.
- At the fracture the stone is conchoidal. Resistant to external influences, insoluble in acids.
Other uses of stone
- According to archaeological excavations, in prehistoric times figurines, pestles and all kinds of stands were made from topaz. This stone is used in a similar way today.
- Large colorless crystals with a beautiful shape often become exhibits in private mineralogical collections.
- In industrial production, high-hardness topazes are used to polish the surface of various materials that are difficult to process.
- In metallurgy, a mineral containing large amounts of fluorine is sometimes used as a flux (a substance added to ore during metal smelting to lower the melting point and more easily separate the metal from the barren rock).
Types of topaz
Topazes are classified depending on the color the stone is painted into the following types:
- Blue of varying brightness and saturation:
- London is the brightest;
- Swiss - medium color saturation;
- Sky blue is the lightest.
- Red and pink;
- Grey;
- Mystic topaz with a rainbow effect on the surface;
- "Imperial" is painted yellow, brown, red-brown or orange;
- Tea – light yellow topaz.
- Wine - from orange-yellow to brownish-pinkish color.
- Colorless.
Compatibility with other stones
Topaz, which is a stone of Air, harmoniously combines with labradorite, rock crystal, moonstone and emerald.
Its combination with aventurine and amethyst is quite acceptable.
When topaz is combined with Water stones (aquamarine, opal, pearls, coral, etc.), unfavorable vibrations may occur in jewelry.
The combination of topaz with chrysoprase, rubies and diamonds is considered unfavorable.
The magical properties of topaz
Beautiful talismans made from topaz are suitable for those who find it difficult to express emotions and feelings, communicate freely with people, that is, introverts and reserved individuals.
The stone has the ability to increase communication skills, and also sharpens intuition, and helps in solving problematic issues. In addition, blue topaz is credited with the properties of an assistant in making the most unrealistic fantasies and dreams come true. Perhaps the whole point is that the stone gives the owner self-confidence and becomes a source of inspiration and strength for new achievements.
Varieties
Differences in color, properties and characteristics of the mineral made it possible to divide it into several subspecies. Popular shades on the jewelry market even received their own names, which raised their price and began to distinguish them from other subtypes of crystal.
- Blue topaz. This type of mineral is considered the most exquisite and looks very noble. If the sample is of natural origin, then its price will be much higher than that of a stone whose color scheme has been adjusted by specialists. There are several subtypes of this crystal. The cheapest option that almost everyone can afford is sky topaz. It is often used in inexpensive jewelry. Skye differs from other varieties in its light blue hue. Another type of blue topaz, Swiss Blue, has gained popularity in certain circles. Its price is much higher, but this fact does not stop women from purchasing jewelry. This is explained by the fact that Swiss Blue is credited with magical properties - seers claim that it can stop the aging process.
- Yellow topaz. The color range of this group of minerals is incredibly wide and can vary from yellow to brown. Even the so-called golden topaz is known, which is credited with incredible power that can completely change the consciousness of its owner. According to astrologers, the magical properties of the stone affect the human psyche, making him more balanced and calm. It is believed that the yellow mineral helps people who are prone to suicide - it sets them on the right path and allows them to understand the value of life. Golden topaz has been known since ancient times, but its price, like this entire group of gems, is not too high. Therefore, even people with average income can afford to have it. Orange topaz belongs to the same subgroup. The mineral does not have any special properties and is valued as a finishing material in jewelry. Sometimes a yellow stone is called a wine stone, but this is done more for commercial reasons, in order to give it greater value with a beautiful name.
- Green topaz is the most valuable. The color, atypical for such gems, appeared as a result of natural exposure to radiation. The green mineral was so rare that, despite its not too high cost, autocrats did not hesitate to wear it in their crowns. Natural stone is not particularly bright, while its artificial counterpart shines with all its facets.
- Pink topaz. Despite the fact that the pink color of these minerals is rare, gems of this shade still exist. Such a natural crystal will be one of the most expensive. Nowadays, thanks to modern technology, it has become possible to dye ordinary gems pink. This is done using irradiation or heat treatment.
- Colorless or white topaz. This gem, like the yellow gem, is widespread in nature. Its undoubted advantage is that white topaz can act as a starting material for obtaining crystals of other shades. You can easily make lemon, purple and even black gems from it. Such species, of course, will have a lower cost - after all, their appearance was corrected by man, and not by nature. Very often, white topaz is confused with a diamond, which can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous jewelers, because the price categories of these stones vary significantly. And in terms of optical characteristics, the minerals are completely different.
- Mystic is a magical topaz that plays with different shades of blue, green, and purple. Such a stone does not exist in nature; it is obtained artificially, however, due to the versatility of its colors, it is highly valued among various kinds of magicians and seers.
- Blue topaz. This species is also obtained artificially using heat treatment. In the jewelry community, these gems are very valuable, some of them even received their own special trade names, for example London blue. The stone is a crystal of a rich grayish-blue hue, some jewelers call it “steel” or “ink”. Sometimes London topaz takes on a greenish tint, but this requires viewing it from a certain angle and in the right lighting. Due to its versatility and not too high cost, the gem is one of the best-selling.
- Rauchtopaz. In fact, this stone belongs to ordinary quartz. This is just a commercial option, designed to mislead or used to make the jewelry cheaper.
The healing properties of topaz
In lithotherapy, that is, treatment using precious and semi-precious stones, topaz has been used for a long time and in a variety of situations.
At the moment, it is believed that this mineral has a calming effect, helps with headaches and depression, that is, it is endowed with a generally harmonizing and balancing effect on the body. It is believed that when women constantly wear jewelry with topaz, the aging process slows down, and wisdom comes to men.
It has been noted that topazes have a positive effect on bronchial asthma, gout, and high blood pressure.
Who suits the name
Names with which topaz has a beneficial effect:
- Agatha, by nature, strives for independence. The crystal will provide support in this.
- Anastasia sometimes feels defenseless, the amulet will give her confidence and show her the path where there will be no people who can offend her.
- Maryana is too strict with herself and those around her, the mineral helps lower the level of self-criticism, teaches you to like yourself and enjoy life.
- Natalya is proactive, sometimes obsessive. With the help of a topaz amulet, paths for realization are opened.
- Larisa is characterized by excessive emotionality, which harms relationships with people around her. Topaz is an assistant in balancing the emotional state.
The gem energetically supports those who believe in the help of nature and their own strength.
Branches of application of topaz
The main use for topaz is jewelry, where it is widely used in the manufacture of a wide variety of jewelry due to its rich color palette.
In addition, the stone has found use in lithotherapy and for determining the hardness of other stones.
Topaz colors
Topaz is characterized by a rich variety of colors. They are colorless, brown, wine yellow, blue, pink, golden, orange and reddish orange. So-called "polychrome" topaz has also been discovered with different colors on the same stone, usually a combination of blue and wine yellow.
It is interesting that the color of the stone does not depend on the presence of impurities, but is explained by structural defects, namely, the absence of certain atoms. For example, blue color appears when there is a lack of oxygen atoms, yellow when there is a fluorine vacancy. If the stone is heated, the color disappears, but in the case of radioactive irradiation, on the contrary, it intensifies.
Talismans and amulets
Jewelry and amulets with blue topaz are suitable for absolutely everyone. Other types of stone can be classified according to the color type of a person’s appearance:
- Winter – blue and rich blue.
- Autumn – yellow, golden, wine.
- Spring – colorless, soft blue and light pink.
- Summer – pink and reddish-orange.
Jewelry in light settings - silver, white gold and platinum - is best suited for people with pale skin. Dark-skinned people should choose jewelry with topaz set in yellow and red gold.
As for the magical effects of the stone, people of spiritual professions, yoga practitioners, scientists, philosophers and all kinds of thinkers should have it with them, since topaz clarifies thoughts, helps to concentrate and concentrate. And also to law enforcement officials, judges, prosecutors and psychologists, since this gem helps to identify liars and hypocrites, find the truth and restore justice.
Topazes are also an indispensable amulet for travelers. He protects his owners from all sorts of troubles along the way, helps those who are lost find their way, and is able to calm even the most severe storm. When choosing colors, you should be guided by the compatibility of topaz with zodiac signs, described below.
What is the purity of topaz and how to determine it?
It was previously thought that topaz could be exclusively blue, but it later became clear that this was not the case. And the main indicator of the purity and quality of topaz is its color, which is assessed by gemologists either by visual inspection or using various auxiliary devices, for example, a jewelry loupe.
Artificial topaz
The creation of artificial topaz has not yet been developed, but natural stones are not always available for sale.
Thus, synthetic rubies or sapphires are passed off as topazes. They are similar to topaz in physical and chemical properties, and their artificial production is not difficult. In addition, there are counterfeits of topaz made of quartz and glass. Rauchtopaz, which is actually smoky quartz, is confused with natural topaz.
Caring for your jewelry
How to properly care for topaz:
- Before cleaning, washing, or cooking, remove rings and bracelets, as household chemicals are destructive to gems.
- Swim in the river, sea, pool and take a shower or bath without decorations.
- Remember that Mystic Topaz spraying is especially vulnerable to reagents.
- Handle the stone with care - one blow can easily split or chip it.
- Any gem loses its shine from contact with cosmetics, so it is better to put on jewelry after your makeup and hairstyle are ready.
- To avoid discoloration, wear them in the evening.
- Wrap the burnt stone in light-proof fabric or put it in a box and close it tightly. After a few days, the rich color will be restored.
- Jewelry should be cleaned regularly: place in a warm soapy solution for about 30 minutes . Then clean with a soft brush and dry.
- If you want to rid the talisman of accumulated bad energy, immerse it for 24 hours . After this procedure, the water must be poured out immediately (don’t forget to just remove the jewelry from it!), then the stone can be worn again.
- The jewelry should be stored in a box that is soft on the inside.
How to distinguish real topaz from a fake:
- The most accessible and simple way is to rub the stone against woolen fabric. Natural topaz becomes electrified and paper sticks to it.
- Natural topaz is one of the hardest stones; it can leave scratches on the surface of quartz and crystal, unlike fakes.
- Fake topazes quickly heat up in your hands, while natural ones remain cool for a long time.
- The surface of artificial topaz is always perfectly smooth, but natural stones are always endowed with minor defects and cracks.
- Very bright topazes of poisonous colors are not found in nature; their shades are always calm and gentle, and therefore excessive brightness can be a sign of a fake.
- When immersed in methylene iodide, real topaz sinks to the bottom of the vessel, and the fake topaz floats on the surface.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
According to the horoscope, topaz is most suitable for Scorpios and Sagittarius . They can wear a stone of any shade. He will make them wiser, calmer, more cautious, and give them confidence in their abilities. Harmony with the mineral will come very quickly, most likely immediately after you take the mineral in your hands.
Charms with topaz of any color are also suitable
for Pisces and Cancers . It will take them a little longer than Scorpios to reach an understanding with their jewelry, but the effect will be the same.
Gemini , Taurus , Virgo , Aquarius , Aries to prefer golden minerals, and for Leo, Libra and Capricorn - green or red. Such a stone will support an “inner spark” in its bearer—the desire to act, self-develop, and achieve success. The crystal is very supportive of those who actively fight for their well-being; it sends them good luck in all their endeavors, useful acquaintances, and opportunities to realize their most cherished fantasies.
For other zodiac signs, there are no specific recommendations regarding topaz. They can use any stone, but the effect will not be as pronounced as that of the favorite signs. The exception is if you found the mineral yourself or it was given to you with love. In this case, any crystal can become a powerful amulet.
How to care for topaz
Topazes and jewelry with them are stored, wrapped in silk cloth, so that they do not touch each other, in a cool, dark place.
They wear jewelry with them, observing the following rules:
- Put on after applying makeup and styling so as not to spoil the stone.
- They are protected from impacts, since due to the ideal basal cleavage, in the event of a sharp blow, topaz can split, and from the action of acids.
- Since topazes lose light at high temperatures and exposure to sunlight, they must be protected from such influences.
- Cleaning of products should be gentle without the use of mechanical or ultrasonic devices.
Cleaning topaz jewelry:
Warm water is poured into a basin, a few drops of dishwashing detergent are added and the jewelry is immersed in it for 15 minutes. Then they are removed from the water and lightly brushed with a soft toothbrush, after which they are rinsed with water and dried with a napkin.
How to wear a talisman correctly
In order for topaz to act as a talisman, you must adhere to some recommendations:
- Wear jewelry on the right hand.
- A ring on the index finger will show a person the right path in life.
- The rainbow mineral will work better if it is set in yellow gold.
- Pendants on the chest and bracelets on the right wrist protect against the evil eye.
Some stones lose properties beneficial to humans if they are close to their own kind. With topaz, on the contrary, in this case the strength is multiplied. It coexists peacefully with other minerals of the Air element and even at the same time intensifies many times over.
Prices for topaz products
Prices for topazes vary depending on their properties. The most valuable and expensive are red, pink, blue and dark blue topazes. They are priced from $300-600 per carat. Yellow and brown topaz are somewhat cheaper. And the cost of finished jewelry is influenced by the metal that was used as a setting for the stone.
Interesting facts about topaz
- Topaz was a popular decoration for the crowns of kings and sultans of various countries. For example, the colorless Braganza topaz, weighing about 330 g, was mistaken for a diamond and adorned the crown of the King of Portugal. Its cost was estimated at 57 million pounds sterling.
- In Russia, topazes were known as "heavyweights" and "Siberian diamonds" starting in the 18th century. But the places where they were mined were very quickly depleted and abandoned.
- One of the most famous topaz is called “Akademik Fersman” (pictured), its weight is 2.117 kg, the stone was discovered in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine.
- The amazing “Fairy Tale” topaz weighs 2.2 kg and is distinguished by the fact that its transparent body contains fluorites in the shape of dandelions.
Precious or semi-precious?
Is Topaz a precious or semi-precious stone? This question can be heard quite often. Perhaps this interest is explained by the fairly low cost of the crystal or its prevalence. According to experts, this crystal is a semi-precious stone. However, despite this, it is very beautiful and has a huge palette of shades, which makes it very valuable in jewelry. From it, as from precious stones, a lot of exquisite jewelry is made, which even the greats of this world did not disdain to wear.
