Formula | Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2 |
Color | Colorless, golden yellow, pale blue, yellow, tan, violet red, pink |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent |
Hardness | 8 |
Cleavage | Perfect |
Kink | Conchoidal |
Density | 3.49—3.57 g/cm³ |
Colors and varieties
Nature often creates yellow varieties of topaz.
There are red, purple, blue, colorless and rainbow. Dorozh pink, originally from Pakistan. The real find is a gem in a “shirt,” that is, wrapped in a grayish film. The color of topazes is determined by impurities and defects in the crystal lattice. The coloring is clean, without haze or haze.
Colorless
White or silvery stones are a common type. They lie shallow. The sun clears them of color, making them transparent.
Source material for obtaining colored topazes. Legal affordable diamond competitor. The properties of topaz imitate their versatility, iridescent color, depth, and purity. The white crystal looks like a diamond, which is used by unscrupulous jewelers. For example, it turned out that the huge diamond, the “star” of the Portuguese crown, was colorless topaz.
Colorless topaz, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Light blue and blue
Exquisite, regal stone. It can be natural or refined. The commercial types of blue topaz available on the market are:
- Sky Blue - light, the most affordable;
- Swiss Blue - darker and more expensive; specimens of natural origin slow down aging. Women give any money for them;
- London Blue - dark blue or blue crystals; The deeper the color, the more expensive. London stone is cut in a special way. It is not particularly popular among Russians, unlike Europeans. Sometimes London Blue and Sapphire are confused.
Saturated blue is rare in nature, and technologists make up for the deficiency by irradiating colorless stones. The resulting inky color of topaz is lightened by heat treatment.
Irradiated specimens are kept in special conditions for several months until the radiation level drops to a safe level.
Blue Topaz
Yellow
A group of minerals of yellow, brown, golden-greenish shades. Inexpensive, popular with astrologers and lithotherapists. They are widespread in India, where they were the first to establish their medicinal value.
Golden topaz is used as gifts for rulers. Specimens whose rich yellow or fiery color gradually turns into blue are valuable.
Yellow topaz
Pink and red
Pink topaz is a rare variety and, along with red ones, is considered one of the most expensive.
Red topaz is valued for its impossibility of counterfeiting: no technology can make the crystal turn red while remaining transparent.
Pink Topaz
Green
A sought-after collectible. The green stone’s atypical color is due to aluminum silicate and radiation.
The crystals have a soft velvety sheen, without brightness. They are designed for luxury jewelry worn in the evening. They ended up in the crowns of rulers.
The degree of purity of the color of topaz is used to judge its origin: haze or cloudiness means artificial processing, which reduces the value.
Green topaz
Smoky
In fact, this is rauchtopaz - a type of quartz, which, due to its smoky hue, is mistakenly classified as topaz. The name is fixed in everyday life and commercial classification. Fashionistas love it for its non-trivial range, from gray to brown.
Smoky Topaz
Black
The rarest variety, considered a magical attribute.
Black Topaz
Royal (Imperial) Topaz
There is no standard for the color of the species; most jewelers consider the orange-brown color scheme to be the standard.
Imperial topaz
Mystic Topaz
Multicolor is created by the characteristics of the crystal lattice: light is refracted in different ways, creating shades.
It may become rainbow after treatment. The technology was patented at the end of the 20th century. The colorless mineral is irradiated and then coated with a microlayer of gold or titanium. An iridescent iridescence is created, visible in any light. The stone shines like a diamond.
Mystic Topaz
Description
Golden topaz stone is a rare thing, but at the same time very affordable. Experts still cannot accurately answer the question of what is the origin of this mineral, as well as where its name came from. According to one version, it is believed that the stone was discovered on the island of Topazionis, and it was named accordingly. From Sanskrit, “topaz” is literally translated as “heat”; in some sources this word sounds like “fire”. It is believed that in addition to the inhabitants of eastern countries, golden topaz was also of interest to the Romans. They often used it in the manufacture of body jewelry and in the inlay of sacred objects. Topazes will captivate with their originality. At first glance, it seems that the stone is transparent, it shimmers in the sun, literally mirroring everything that is opposite it. But in fact, its structure is very dense, and it is very difficult for even light to pass through it.
The magical properties of topaz
Topaz has pronounced magical properties:
- Protect its owner from the machinations of ill-wishers and evil spirits.
- To improve the personal life of its owner, increasing his attractiveness in the eyes of representatives of the opposite sex. The magic of the crystal will protect spouses from conflicts, quarrels and mutual betrayals.
- Expose the machinations of manipulators and outright liars. It is recommended for businessmen, diplomats, managers of large enterprises and public figures to keep this mystical stone with them.
- Attract material well-being. However, the owner of the stone should know that the finances that are in his hands thanks to the support of the talisman should be used to help those in need and loved ones, and not for personal enrichment.
- Give its owner perseverance and the ability to withstand adversity and difficulties.
The owner of the stone should know that the above properties are endowed exclusively with natural stones that have not been refined.
Modern Magic
Well, now let's get acquainted with the magical, but now modern properties of the stone. Golden topaz is positioned as a stone of positivity. It dispels fear, puts you in a cheerful and optimistic mood, and helps you cope with boredom and bad mood. Due to the fact that the stone fills the soul with warmth and goodness, a person becomes invulnerable to the evil eye or damage. Also, golden-hued topaz is recommended to be worn by all lawyers, psychologists and psychics, because it also develops intuition and helps solve complex logical problems.
It is important to note that this stone is very loyal to its owner. If you believe in his good power and constantly thank him for the good fortune that he brings, the good will increase. Topaz is able to put thoughts in order, helps to establish profitable relationships and grow financially.
Talismans, amulets
Smoky topaz ring
The mysticism of topaz lies in its ability to absorb the energy of its owner and, as needed, return it back.
For this reason, psychics use topaz talismans as energy batteries.
- Amulets with topaz can be worn at home, at work and when visiting. It is best to set them in cupronickel or silver.
- A ring with a crystal, worn on the index finger of the working hand, will solve the problem of female infertility. For men, this method of wearing a ring can result in increased potency.
- A pendant or brooch with a stone will give its owner the energy necessary to solve pressing problems.
- Topaz set in gold will help older creative people regain their inspiration.
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.
Healing properties
Ring with green topaz
First of all, the gem effectively treats diseases of the nervous system, as well as the digestive organs. It is often recommended to be worn for anorexia or bulimia. The gem also helps to overcome stomach ulcers, colitis, and gastritis.
Some lithotherapists prescribe treatment with topaz for eye diseases. To do this, it is recommended to peer into the depths of the crystal for ten to fifteen minutes every day.
Depending on the color of the stone, its properties may vary. Thus, golden minerals activate the processes of fracture regeneration and wound healing. Blue and blue - help to recover faster after strokes and cure migraines.
Transparent stone strengthens the immune system and serves as a good prevention of seasonal diseases. Brown, pink, red promote stable remission in mental illnesses.
Like other stones, topaz works best when gemstone treatment is combined with medication. If a lithotherapist prohibits you from taking medications and seeing traditional doctors in parallel with lithotherapy sessions, then this is most likely a charlatan.
Treatment characteristics
Topazes of golden shades are considered feminine stones. They allow you to get rid of problems with the uterus, appendages and minor ailments of the female reproductive system. Many are even sure that by wearing yellow topaz on themselves constantly, they can get rid of infertility. In parallel with all this, the stone helps treat a diseased spine, saves from epilepsy, depression, and nervous breakdowns. It also normalizes skin condition, prevents eczema and other dermatological diseases. People who never part with this precious mineral are sure that it strengthens the immune system.
Products and jewelry with topaz
Silver earrings with Mystic Topaz
The main area of application of topaz, which goes well with most precious and semi-precious stones, is jewelry.
The reason for such easy compatibility of topazes with other gems in products is not only the variety of their colors, but also the delightful appearance of the crystals, amenable to any type of cutting.
Topaz is cut taking into account their color:
- brown and pink crystals are processed in the form of stepped ovals;
- stones interspersed with fluorite or albite are given a cabochon shape;
- Yellow or blue specimens are diamond cut.
Jewelry with topaz is bracelets, signets, earrings, pendants made from heavy and large stones.
Topazes look equally organic in both gold and silver frames.
To highlight the shine of topazes set in gold, jewelers combine them with diamonds or artificial cubic zirconia.
In silver products they use stones of a similar price category: garnets, amethysts, peridots, citrines, zircons.
Where to look?
Looking at the photo of golden topaz, you definitely want to have this gift. But first, let’s find out where miners find it, because the cost will directly depend on this:
- Sri Lanka is an island with more yellowish crystals than anywhere else.
- Germany - the town of Schneckestein is famous for such minerals.
- Ukraine - The Volyn region became famous in 1965 due to the fact that a huge yellow-orange nugget was found here.
- Russia, namely the region of the Ural Mountains, as well as Transbaikalia. But it is worth noting that in our country not only golden topazes are mined, but also topazes of other colors.
These stones are also sometimes found on the island of Madagascar and Brazil. We also emphasize that these stones are of volcanic origin. This, in particular, makes it possible to reconstruct the tectonic map of the past.
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).
How to choose and wear
Gold ring with topaz
You need to choose a natural stone. When choosing, you should rely on the advice of astrologers. You should buy jewelry with topaz at a jewelry store.
In everyday life, it is acceptable to wear small accessories made of silver. Topaz in silver goes perfectly with business style.
You need to select stones of soft colors. A good choice is to match the mineral to the overall tone of the wardrobe.
Gold with topaz is an accessory for an evening dress. Large bright decorations are appropriate here. Experts advise against wearing topaz in combination with other stones. Women need to choose the color of the mineral in accordance with their color type:
- for blondes with blue and gray eyes, stones in light shades are suitable: blue, transparent, dark blue, pink;
- a brown-haired man with brown and green eyes will be decorated with yellow and wine gems;
- The bright, saturated colors of the mineral are closer to dark brunettes.
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.
How to distinguish from a fake
Gold pendant with topaz
Minerals are regularly counterfeited, especially rare specimens of expensive varieties: with the help of small manipulations a cheap crystal can be “ennobled” and then sold at the price of an expensive one.
As a rule, manufacturers honestly write “refined” or “artificial topaz” on the product wrapper, but resellers, purchasing the product in a laboratory, then change the packaging to their own and sell it in it.
How to distinguish natural stone from synthetic:
- First, try rubbing the gem with a piece of wool or paper. Natural topaz is electrified, and after such a “test” it will be able to attract a hair.
- Swipe the mineral across the glass. The natural mineral is hard and will scratch easily.
- Squeeze the gem in your palm. A fake will quickly heat up from the heat of the human body, a natural mineral will not.
- Look at what topaz looks like with a magnifying glass. Natural gems are perfectly smooth only if they are cut into a cabochon shape, but even then they may contain small cracks, air bubbles, and abrasions.
However, the above methods can only identify completely unsophisticated fakes made of plastic or glass. A synthetic gem made in a laboratory, the so-called “nano-topaz”, will be completely identical to the natural one in its properties and appearance. At the same time, a crystal formed in “greenhouse” conditions does not absorb the power of the earth, so it is useless as a talisman or amulet.
Those for whom the magical properties of a crystal are a priority should not buy it anywhere other than large certified shops. They purchase minerals directly from suppliers in “factory” packaging, with documentation. By carefully studying the product passport, you will see whether your purchase is a natural gem or an imitation.
How to care for stone
Gold ring with topaz and cubic zirconia
It is important not only to know whether topaz suits your horoscope, but also how to properly care for it.
When caring for a gem, it is important to follow the following rules:
- Do not expose the stone to household chemicals.
- Spraying of “mystic” topaz is sensitive to reagents.
- Just one blow is enough for the topaz to break.
- To prevent the stone from changing color, it is better to wear jewelry with it after the makeup and hair have been done.
- Restoring the color of a faded crystal is quite simple - you need to put it in a closed box, wrapping it in thick cloth.
- You can clean the stone with soapy water and a soft brush. Dry naturally.
- To neutralize negative energy, place the stone in ice water overnight and then drain it.
Features of minerals
Topazes are positioned as fluorosilicates. In nature, they are found in the form of an elongated prism; they have a glossy structure similar to glass. The yellow tint to the stones is given by aluminum, which is in the composition. What other properties do golden topazes have?
- The stone has a stepped fracture.
- It has perfect cleavage.
- At high temperatures it does not melt, but simply becomes more cloudy.
- Golden topaz is one of the hardest stones, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Only diamond is denser.
- The stone shows absolutely no reaction to strong temperature changes, chemicals, or high humidity.
In nature, you can find golden-colored topazes in a wide variety of shades. They start from light, translucent, and end with rich ones with red and brown tints.
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.