Topaz, according to www.wikipedia.com is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with the chemical formula Al2SiO4(F,OH)2. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic group and its crystals are mostly prismatic terminated by pyramidal and other faces, the basal pinacoid often being present. It has an easy and perfect basal cleavage, meaning that gemstones or other fine specimens have to be handled with care to avoid developing cleavage flaws. The fracture is conchoidal to uneven. Topaz has a hardness of 8, a specific gravity of 3.4–3.6, and a vitreous luster. Pure topaz is transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine or straw-yellow.
They may be made white, gray, green, blue, pink or reddish-yellow and transparent or translucent.
Yet, www.bernadine.com stated that topaz is the birthstone of November (yellow topaz) and December (blue topaz), it is a talisman for the sign of Sagittarius and the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage. See the birthstone tables for additional references to this stone.
The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire.
Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors including red, orange, peach, pink, gold, yellow, brown and clear and is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Russia. Naturally pale to medium blue topaz is enhanced by irradiation to produce a more intense blue color.
Red and pink topaz gems were used in the jewelry of the 18th and 19th Century Russian Czarinas and is why topaz is sometimes called "Imperial Topaz".
The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Another beautiful topaz is in the Green Vault in Dresden which has one of the world's most important gem collections.
Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it can be split with a single blow and should be protected from hard knocks.
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However, in ancient Greece, it was believed that topaz would give strength according to www.gia.edu. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed that topaz could break magic spells and relieve anger. In India, many believed that topaz worn above the heart assured long life, beauty and intelligence. Today, topaz is one of the November birthstones.
The largest faceted gemstone ever recorded is the "Champagne Topaz." The gem was mined in Brazil, weighs 36,854 cts. and measures 34.9 cm x 15.5 cm x 12.1 cm.
According to Webster's English Dictionary, the word topaz is derived from the Middle English word topace, Old French topace or topase, Latin topazus, topazios, which is the old Greek name for an island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad. The island never produced topaz, but it was once a source or peridot,
which was sometimes mistakenly called topaz.
The name 'topaz' is may have been derived from the ancient Sanskrit word tapas meaning fire. Another theory presented by Pliny in the first century A.C.E. is that the name topaz was derived from the Greek word topazos or topazion - to seek, which was the name of an island in the Red Sea (known today as 'Zeberget', or the 'Island of St. John') which is thought to have been a source for the gem peridot, but not topaz, in ancient times.
The term 'imperial topaz' has its roots in 19th century Russia, when topazes with pink tones were discovered there and deemed by the Czar to belong only to himself and the royal family, and others to whom he had given it as a gift.
Topaz was one of the stones in the 'Breastplate of Judgement' of Aaron, described in the bible (Exodus: xxviii, 15-30). Topaz is associated with the planet of Jupiter in Vedic astrology. Historically, topaz has been believed to bestow a long life, good looks and intelligence.
It was also believed to offer protection from poison, disease and sorcery. Blue topaz is said to enhance one's communicative abilities,
helping to more easily and clearly express oneself.
View Pictures of Topaz
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