All topazes are truly beautiful stones. They are considered precious, which is reflected in their value. The types of stone depend on its shade.
But relatively recently, from the point of view of world history, imperial topaz was born. And gemologists wondered which stones should be called imperial and what selection criteria exist for a crystal to receive such a name?
The history of the name topaz
Initially, topazes were mined in many countries, including Russia. Most often, when people hear the word “topaz,” they think of a stone with a bluish tint. But orange (yellowish) specimens were discovered in Brazil.
From that moment on, they began to be called imperial. This was just a PR stunt, since emperors, from the point of view of history, could not wear the stone, and there is no confirmation of such assumptions. Now the situation has not changed; the right to obtain the name “topaz imperial” still belongs to the miners of yellow-orange specimens in Brazil.
Another interesting fact is that there was a criterion among gemologists that the color of the stone should correspond to the shade of lightly salted salmon. At the same time, topazes of the same shade, found, for example, in Ukraine and retaining their color, still do not receive the name “imperial topaz”.
At the same time, the price for imperial specimens increases at least ten times in comparison with topazes of other origins. Now businessmen from Brazil, when they find pink or purple stones, also classify them as imperial.
You can see the stone with your own eyes not only on jewelry or in catalogs, but also in the Diamond Fund of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which is considered the most elite in Europe. Order badges were awarded only to aristocratic families, monarchs and kings. Decorating orders with topazes began in the 19th century, which was considered a symbol of nobility and unity.
Medicinal properties
In ancient times, this stone was used to frame goblets and this was done not only for aesthetic reasons. It was believed that if there was poison in the drink, the imperial topaz would change color.
Recommends wearing the mineral for the following health problems:
- poor vision - myopia or farsightedness;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- pathologies of the endocrine system;
- Silver jewelry with topaz will help in the treatment of epilepsy, gout and inflammatory processes.
A calming effect has been noticed and proven: imperial helps with insomnia and psychological problems.
The healing properties are explained by its chemical composition: topaz contains fluoride, which is beneficial for tooth enamel, bones and the nervous system.
Imperial topaz color
Topazes of excellent gem quality, mined in the Brazilian region of Oro Preto since 1730, have the right to be called “imperial”. However, in the designated places, gems of very different colors are found. Which of them can be called imperial, which cannot?
Modern gemology does not impose strict restrictions on the color of imperial topaz. But it outlines the boundaries! Only those Brazilian topazes are called imperial, which are not far from the standard orange-brown color.
The great advantage of imperial topaz is its noticeable pink tint. Moreover, there is an opinion that only pinkish topazes with a golden tone have the right to be called imperials!
However, such ideas have few followers. There are many more people who want to expand the range of imperial topazes to include stones of both yellow and lilac colors. Of impeccable quality, of course.
While the world's gemology is wondering how to deal with the conflicting desires of topaz miners, traders have come up with a clever move. The inscriptions appeared on the price tags: “Imperial-colored topaz... The price, with a clear conscience raised many times higher than usual, still does not reach the imperial level. The buyer gets the impression that he is very lucky!
Usage
Where are these stones used? Transparent topazes are necessary for industrial optics (like lenses). For polishing, hard stone is used in powder form. On the fourth anniversary of marriage, it is customary to give imperial topaz on the twenty-third, which, by the way, is prohibited in jewelry. This stone is very hard. However, you should be wary of strong impacts. It may delaminate. Wash using special cleaning products, rinse with water without lime and an alcohol solution.
This and his extensive knowledge of literature combined to create an authoritative and highly readable text. Although many fine specimens are found in public collections such as the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum, Bancroft looked further through a vast number of private collections around the world to assemble a set of magnificent photographs found in gemstones and crystal treasures. Many of the specimens in these collections are rarely available for public viewing.
Bancroft completed graduate studies in geology at the University of Southern California, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Stanford University. His doctorate in educational administration is from Colorado State University. During his long professional career, he served as a teacher, superintendent and superintendent of schools in California; as a White House education consultant, as a professional photographer; as a gem buyer, as curator of mineralogy at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; and as director of collections for the Pearl and Mineral Society in San Diego.
What are topazes silent about?
A good topaz is like a clever bride: it does not reveal the secrets of past events under any pretext. But do imperial topazes have anything to hide?
It turns out there is. Most defect-free Al2SiO4 crystals appear lightly colored and yellowish. Verified methods of physical processing of the stone give amazing results: crystals of natural topaz, after heating or irradiation, acquire the richness of the color of real “imperials”! At the same time, it is not possible to identify a fake: the coincidence between a human creation and a natural rarity is complete.
This is why the most sophisticated collectors are more willing to purchase stones that have defects characteristic of Brazilian deposits. This is the only way to eliminate errors!
Stone deposit
In addition to the already known Brazil, the stone was found in such territories as:
- Pakistan (Asia).
- Russia.
- Ukraine.
At the same time, topazes from Brazil, as well as pinkish stones from Pakistan, are considered a full-fledged imperial specimen. The commercial side of the issue is not always profitable, since there are few stones in the deposits, and the business becomes unprofitable.
Although there are also areas where stone has been mined for more than two hundred years, for example, Ouro Preto in Brazil. They are the ones who provide the world market with such specimens. And the gross production for one year is only 100 thousand carats. This indicator does not take into account losses during stone processing.
The buyers in this trade operation are Japan and America. And Paris is also partial to imperial topazes. It is this stone that is in the spotlight among all the stones mined in Brazil, since it brings a lot of income to the country. It is impossible to say what is driving the demand: the popularity of the stone or the fact that the orange color remains at the peak of fashion.
Where else do they meet?
Topazes, similar in color and quality to Brazilian ones, can be found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia. Among traders, instead of “imperial”, the concept of “precious topaz” is often used, introduced in order not to offend ambitious Brazilians who are worried about their trade name for this stone. These topazes are sold no less successfully than their Brazilian relatives. Many countries are purchasing them, and the demand for “precious topaz” is becoming higher.
Characteristics and cost of topaz
If we talk about the properties of the stone, from a physical and chemical point of view, there are the main qualities that concern jewelers:
- Hardness reaches eight to nine on the Mohs scale, which means that topaz is only one point behind the hardest mineral on Earth: diamond.
- But the molecular weight of imperial topaz is exactly the same as that of diamond and is 3.53.
- The color depends on the impurities and the structure of the crystal lattice of the stone.
- The chemical composition of the element is Al2SiO4. The natural shade is slightly colored, yellowish.
- The high temperature of refraction, as well as the chemical composition, gives topaz a metallic sheen. If you look at the imperial from different angles, you can detect a slight change in shade.
But the large number of shades of crystals allows us to conclude that topaz is unique. The color range includes shades from gold, cognac to peach and even cherry color. This factor is influenced by the presence of phosphorus in the composition of the stone. The most unique shades are considered to be sherry, lilac and purple specimens.
Imperial topaz as part of jewelry is rarely found on ordinary jewelry counters. This is because the stone is unique; in most cases, products with it are made to order. Only large factories cooperate with topaz suppliers from Brazil. If we talk about a crystal, the cost of one carat ranges from 200 to 400 euros.
A cherry shade of topaz will cost up to 2 thousand euros per carat. The average size of stones is 6-8 carats. And topazes over 20 carats are sold at auctions or stored in museums. The cost also depends on the cut of the stone and the number of defects.
And the possible processing of the stone will also affect the price of the product. The thing is that imperial topaz can be exposed to heat or doused with special chemicals. Of course, such specimens cannot fully be called imperial topazes.
But not all stones can be heated to a certain temperature and get a stone that looks like an imperial. The thing is that in order to change color, the presence of chromium in the stone is necessary, and there are few such specimens. It is desirable that the stone does not have impurities, cracks or other defects. In addition, if the mineral does not have enough gases and liquids in its composition, this fact will lead to its explosion when the stone is heated.
It is very difficult to determine an artificially created imperial from a real one: this can only be done by professionals after the stone has passed an examination.
It was determined that stone that has undergone heat treatment no longer changes color. But natural topazes, being crystals, can gradually fade under the influence of direct ultraviolet radiation.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Imperial topaz of any shade patronizes people born in November - Scorpios and Sagittarius. It gives them the opportunity to know themselves, find inner harmony and determine their true goals. If a conflict arises with others, a talisman made of natural crystals will contribute to its resolution and speedy reconciliation. In addition, the stone will give its owner wisdom, prudence, composure and visual attractiveness.
Imperial is also suitable for other zodiac signs: Virgo, Leo and Gemini. It develops intuition, helps to identify ill-wishers and see signs sent from above. Promotes mental clarity and making the right decisions.
But Libra, Taurus and Pisces should wear imperial topaz with caution. Astrologers believe that the mineral does not combine well with these signs and can have a bad effect on family happiness.
Are there many fakes among the “imperials”?
Fortunately, there are very few natural topazes that can become “imperial” after modification. In order for an Al2SiO4 crystal to acquire a pink tint, it must initially contain an admixture of chromium.
There are very few such aluminosilicates in nature. In addition, most of the gems found are far from the required level of quality. Cracks, large inclusions, bubbles, and opaque areas devalue the stone.
Chromium-containing topazes of good jewelry quality are used. Heat treatment (forty-five minute exposure at 450˚C in an oxygen-free environment, or 40 minutes at 565˚C in the presence of oxygen, etc.) brightens the crystal and reveals its red tones. Depending on the intensity of the initial color, you get quite imperial topazes of different tones.
By the way, heat treatment also hardens topaz. The strength and wear resistance of the heated “imperial” is at the highest level! Properly heated topazes do not lose color either under the sun or during long-term storage.
A look into the future
There is no doubt that in the very near future the group of imperial topazes will rightfully include stones of cognac, beige, golden, pink, as well as peach, cherry and purple tones.
Although it is no less likely that topaz will be divided according to the place of extraction, with the title of “imperial” finally assigned to Brazilian stones, and the title “precious” will be assigned to the remaining topaz of the proper quality. In all likelihood, due to the impossibility of accurately establishing the origin of the stone, prices for imperial topazes will decrease - provided that the market is sufficiently saturated. At the same time, reliably natural imperial topazes are firmly on par with diamonds in price - and even slightly ahead of them.
Today's prices for imperial topazes run into hundreds of dollars per carat for a small jewelry insert. The most expensive are cherry imperial topazes. The cost of such a stone usually fluctuates around two thousand dollars per carat. Large imperials (from 20 carats) have no price restrictions: such finds are extremely rare. Sky Blue Topaz Topaz is the color of the sky. Sky Blue is a delicate color of natural blue. Features and properties…
Most people associate topazes with the color sky blue. In fact, this amazing mineral can have almost any shade. One of the rarest varieties is imperial topaz, which is also called imperial.
This type of stone is of great value and has an unusual yellow-orange or even red color that suits it perfectly. It is not for nothing that in Sanskrit the word “topaz” means “fire”.
The magical side of the stone
Of course, like other crystals, the stone has magical properties. True, they are rarely used. Imperial topaz is often purchased as jewelry to emphasize wealth and status. But nevertheless, such a product becomes an amulet for the owner and protects him from various vices.
The stone can awaken love and passion in relationships with a partner, and will also bring prosperity to the home and help improve mental abilities. Topaz also relieves neuropsychic disorders, energizes, and helps to have a child.
Imperial topaz is a beautiful and expensive stone that can compete even with diamonds. It will definitely highlight your image and position in society. The stone is suitable for women of any age and type; with it they will look luxurious. When wearing such jewelry, the main thing is to take care of them, then topaz will retain all its properties for a long time.
Impact on humans
Indian doctors claim that the stone can tone the heart and cleanse the blood of patients. The Chinese are confident that it draws the energy of the sun and makes a person healthier. That’s why almost every one of them has topaz in their home.
Well, what determines the main capabilities of a stone? Hue! Imperial topaz, whose color is close to orange-pink, perfectly regulates blood flow and has a beneficial effect on the kidneys, liver and lungs. In addition, its bright shine invigorates the body and causes happiness.
As for other topazes... The colorless stone promotes intellectual activity, enlightenment of thoughts, and concentration. Blue topaz helps people communicate and listen to each other, which results in strong friendships. There is an opinion that by applying it to the solar plexus, you are freed from all kinds of anxieties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system, which is extremely necessary, for example, for insomnia.
