Topaz is a stone that comes in a wide variety of origins and colors. One of the most remarkable specimens among them is golden topaz, about which experts still have no definite opinion. It is impossible to say exactly what origin it has and where its name comes from. There are many versions: from the Sanskrit word “fire” to the associations of the ancient Romans with the god Jupiter and the island of Topazion, which is located in the Red Sea. However, none of them can be considered confirmed for sure, and topaz will always be shrouded in mystery and numerous legends. All about topaz stone →
History and origin
The topaz family includes stones of different colors, but owes its name to yellow. It is believed that the solar gem was the first to be found. In ancient India, all such minerals were called topaz: “tapas” means “warm” in Sanskrit.
According to another version, this was the name given to the golden stone mined on the island of Topazion (now Zeberged) in the Red Sea by Pliny the Elder in Natural History. Excavations in Alexandria revealed that it was chrysolite.
In Greek, the meaning of the word “topas” is close to Sanskrit: “heat”, “flame”, “fire”.
The term "topaz" has been used for centuries to describe all golden or brownish-yellow precious minerals. Only at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries did it become established as a species of topaz. Used since ancient times as an amulet and talisman.
Yellow is one of the natural shades of topaz. Others are less common or are created by heat treatment.
Formed in pegmatite veins. The natural crystal is often confused with citrine.
Historical summary
It is not known for certain how our distant ancestors mined golden topaz, but they were definitely familiar with this stone. In ancient China, only royalty could wear it. Especially for them, overcoats, scarves, hats and even household items that were kept in their palaces were embroidered with topaz. Indian monarchs preferred to encrust their crowns with golden topaz, since at that time the stone was a real rarity. As for the more modern history of this mineral, it was again discovered in the Ural Mountains. The stone immediately received a popular name - “heavyweight”, since its density was and remains very impressive - 8 units on the Mohs scale. Since then, it has become the pride of the royal dynasty of the Russian Empire and was inherited by us.
Physicochemical characteristics
Yellow topaz is a fluorosilicate with an admixture of aluminum, a semi-precious stone. Color palette: lemon, thick yellow, gold, brownish.
Yellow topaz stone
It is mined in the form of large crystals-prisms or columns. When heated, it turns pink and discolors. If irradiated and heated, the color will turn from deep wine yellow to orange-brown, then blue.
| Formula | Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2 |
| Color | golden yellow, yellow, yellowish brown |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Hardness | 8 |
| Cleavage | Perfect by {001} |
| Kink | Conchoidal |
| Density | 3.49—3.57 g/cm³ |
Areas of application
The main place for using crystals is jewelry. The variety of colors, shine, and hardness literally “ask” to use crystals in rings, bracelets, and earrings.
However, sometimes stone is used in metallurgy, for grinding surfaces.
Place of extraction
There are deposits of the yellow variety of topaz in different parts of the planet. Each deposit has its own shades.
In Europe, these are Germany (Schneckestein), Russia and Ukraine (Volyn). The Volynskoye field is now mothballed. It is famous for its large size and quality of crystals.
Yellow-brown, including wine-colored, specimens were found here. In 1965, a yellow-orange giant weighing 117 kg was discovered. The stones are not resistant to ultraviolet radiation and heat.
Golden-yellow and brown specimens have been supplied by Brazil since 1735. The yellow-golden and orange colors of topaz are characteristic of Sri Lanka. In Russia there are deposits in the Urals (Murzin-Adui “gem belt”) and in Transbaikalia.
Medicinal properties
The healing properties of natural yellow topaz were known back in ancient India.
Lithotherapists use the properties of golden topaz:
- heals the liver and kidneys, improves bile secretion, promotes the removal of stones, stops the inflammatory process;
- promotes conception, normalizes the menstrual cycle, improves the condition of the uterus;
- in combination with a diet helps to lose weight, regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- relieves bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia; useful for pulmonary tuberculosis;
- removes toxins;
- relieves depression and anxiety, helps cope with insomnia; has special meaning for a person prone to suicide.
Strengthens the immune system, gem beads help as a prophylactic against viruses.
Combined ice quartz and yellow topaz beads
Earrings or contemplation of the yellow mineral improves vision.
Earrings with yellowish-brown topaz
The magical and healing properties of the stone are enhanced by the gold frame of jewelry.
Magic properties
Topazes of all colors, including yellow stone, have the ability to subjugate people. A person unwittingly voices information that is not intended for this purpose.
The stone neutralizes negativity and can ward off trouble, therefore it is used as an amulet, amulet or talisman.
Such characteristics are especially valuable for people in dangerous or risky professions (rescuers, police officers, businessmen).
Amulet with yellow topaz
Magical properties of yellow topaz:
- emphasize kindness, generosity, honesty, and confidence in the owner’s character; suppress anger, hatred, aggression;
- attract financial success, increase well-being, and with it respect for the owner;
- ennobles aspirations, stimulating them to choose high goals and achieve them (especially gems with an internal reddish tint);
- useful for those who find it difficult to concentrate or persistently pursue a goal;
- help to achieve the Olympus of life if the tasks are important and will not lead to a mental crisis;
- protect marriage bonds.
In the East, golden topaz is a stone of enlightenment. Meditation with it makes the owner wise.
A talisman in the form of a gold ring or ring on the right index finger is an attribute of leaders in life. It helps to recognize deception and conspiracies, get out of difficult situations, and make decisions.
If a person is talented, this will be noticed: the owner of jewelry with yellow topaz will not be in danger of joining the ranks of unrecognized geniuses.
Contemplating the stone takes you to a new spiritual level.
However, the magical properties of topaz make the owner a perfectionist, so the stone is not recommended for people burdened with a large family.
Cleaning Rules
Topaz is one of the most unpretentious gems to clean. However, it is important to protect it from contact with aggressive acids and other household chemicals. Cleaning can be done with a soft brush and soapy water. After the procedure, it is important to wipe the stone dry with a soft cloth. In order not to spoil the jewelry, it is better to take it to a jewelry workshop for cleaning.
The stone does not tolerate prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, which can cause it to lose its unique color. If stored correctly, the gem will look attractive for many years.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
The mineral is suitable for the zodiac signs of the summer and autumn months.
Silver earrings with yellow topaz
Astrology claims that according to the horoscope, he is ideally compatible with Gemini.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | +++ |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
Where is it used?
The only area of use of the stone is jewelry. It is classified as semi-precious, but in beauty it is equal to the first row gems.
The range of shades allows you to choose a piece of jewelry for many people - depending on your skin tone or age. The younger the owner, the lighter the stones.
Gold ring with topaz
Golden-yellow inserts are framed in platinum, white gold or silver, rich brown tones are in harmony with red or rose gold.
Looks good with rock crystal, cubic zirconia, diamonds, ruby, emerald.
Yellow is the most common topaz, but finding jewelry made from this stone is problematic.
Salons and online stores offer blue or colorless inserts.
The price depends on the color and saturation of the stone. The highest prices are for specimens with shades of wine, pink, and red: $75–$550 per carat. Champagne-colored, brownish-yellow crystals cost $24–76 per carat. A pendant with golden topaz 2 x 3 x 1.4 cm costs $150.
Topaz products
The use of topaz in a particular piece of jewelry is influenced by the method of its cutting, determined by the original shape of the gem:
- During cutting, standard oval or elongated crystals receive the shape of an emerald or diamond (if without impurities), as well as a cabochon (if with impurities).
- Crystals of non-standard shapes are cut into pears, hearts, or geometric shapes.
- Light-colored stones, as a rule, are cut like diamonds, while dark-colored stones are cut in steps.
Topazes are set with both silver, gold or platinum. All kinds of jewelry are made with them - brooches, rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, tiaras and others. In silver jewelry, stones can be complemented with cubic zirconia and amethyst, pressed turquoise, chrysolite and citrine. In gold and platinum products, topaz can be combined with small diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires or rauchtopaz (smoky quartz).
How to spot a fake
Instead of natural topaz, they offer synthetics, colored quartz or glass.
The fake is distinguished by its bright color and the absence of defects such as cracks or unevenness.
The natural crystal is cold to the touch. Capable of being electrified: a crystal rubbed with woolen cloth attracts hair, ashes, pieces of paper, and thread.
Golden yellow topaz
How to wear and care
The mineral is strong, but requires careful, delicate contact with it.
Wearing recommendations
The decoration is suitable for a business meeting or a romantic dinner: the golden topaz gemstone creates an atmosphere of warmth, celebration, and joy. Harmonious with summer looks, brightens up gloomy autumn or harsh winter.
Jewelry is worn in the evening, protected from the sun during the day, do not take it to the beach or long walks in the sun: the stone will fade.
Antique ring with yellow topaz
This is a wonderful gift, but you should only give a new, purchased gem. The transferred stone will turn pale and lose its magical properties.
For magical or healing purposes, the crystal is worn on Thursdays, preferably as a gold ring on the right index finger.
The stone is strongest on Thursdays. You should not wear jewelry on Mondays or Fridays: on these days it is saturated with cosmic energy to share with the owner.
How to care
Caring for yellow gems is the same as for other topazes:
- stones must be protected from falls or impacts;
- the rings are removed during housework;
- Topaz becomes dull when exposed to cosmetics, so jewelry is worn after makeup is done.
Jewelry is stored separately in a soft inside box or bag.
Sliding bracelet with yellow topaz
Dirt is removed with special means or napkins. You can use available tools:
- neutral detergent or wine vinegar is dissolved in warm water (other types are excluded); Cleaning compounds containing chlorine or acid are prohibited;
- jewelry is immersed in water for half an hour, if necessary, lightly scrubbed;
- rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
Clean and rinse with warm water - hot water will reduce the color saturation.
Magic of stone
Back in the Middle Ages, alchemists noticed the effectiveness of topaz in poisoning. The stone senses the presence of poison in food or water so much that it can change color. Topaz itself is recommended to be worn by people who are prone to fear, anxiety, and depression. The stone replenishes and normalizes the amount of vital energy, helps to look at the world optimistically, and become more friendly and open towards people.
The stone activates mental activity and connects intellectual resources. They go with him to solve riddles and problems, and a “sixth sense” appears. Women will find fertility and beauty in the face of the stone, and for men it will become a symbol of wisdom and prudence. In a family, topaz will help smooth out quarrels. Among the therapeutic effects, lithotherapists highlight the following effects of golden topaz:
- help with infertility;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- eczema, psoriasis;
- epileptic seizures;
- help and reduce the number of asthma attacks;
- strengthening the immune system.
The stone favors almost all zodiac signs. It can be used as a talisman by Gemini, Aries and Leo. Leos will especially like gold-colored topaz. The mineral affects the stability of Sagittarius, Pisces and Taurus, so it is better for these signs not to mess with topazes, but to choose another jewel. This stone is also not suitable for those born in May, as it causes attacks of anger. The mineral is the embodiment of solar energy and a male symbol, patronized by the planet Saturn.
Golden topaz is an interesting variety of gemstones. Such decorations will attract the attention of others. The stone is easy to care for, but requires certain rules to be followed if the owner wants to enjoy the product for a long time. Topaz has an active positive effect on humans.
