Famous stones: sapphire, ruby, spinel, opal and topaz

Story

Why is this stone called topaz? There are 2 versions about the origin of the name:

1. The gem was named by sailors in honor of the island of Topazios in the Red Sea, near which they were shipwrecked. The historian of Ancient Rome Pliny the Elder wrote that the mineral was mined there. But later it turned out that chrysolites were discovered there. So the second version seems more correct.

2. “Topaz” translated from Sanskrit means “flame, fire, heat.” Most likely, the first gems discovered were golden-orange or red in color.

Since ancient times, topaz has been of considerable importance to humans. Archaeologists have found jewelry and ritual objects made from this stone. During the first excavations in the Ural Mountains, women's jewelry and tools made from this mineral were found. During the Renaissance it was very popular among the nobility. In Rus' he was known as a “heavyweight”.

Fantastic facts Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Citrine

An old Persian legend says that noble stones are the creations of Satan, who, noticing that Eve was admiring the colorful flowers growing in the Gardens of Eden, gave the minerals magnificent colors in order to arouse greed and temptations in human hearts.

EMERALD

There is no color that is more pleasing to the eye than emerald.

Emerald is a 1st class gemstone. Its dark green varieties are valued higher than diamond. The main criterion for the quality of an emerald is its color, and only then its transparency. Natural emeralds almost always have cracks, splits and inclusions. It is such inclusions, the smallest defects that confirm the natural origin of the stone.

The world's largest emerald measuring 14x35 cm and weighing 24,000 carats was found in 1956.
at the Somerset mine in South Africa. Unfortunately, it has not been preserved, because... was cut into several pieces and processed. Fine examples of emeralds decorate the scepter, orb and cap of the imperial outfit, as well as the frame of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, kept in the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. The Diamond Fund in Moscow houses the famous “Emerald Table” - a diamond brooch with a square green emerald weighing 136.25 carats. There are many myths and legends associated with this stone in different parts of the world.
The Greeks called emerald the “Stone of Radiance.” In Rus' it was revered as a stone of wisdom, composure and hope. In India, it was considered the best gift for newlyweds, as it strengthens the feelings of the spouses and preserves the atmosphere of young love between them. Catholics have a belief that when he was cast into hell, Satan lost an emerald from his crown. The talented craftsmen of the Queen of Sheba found it and carved a precious bowl from this huge stone. This vessel, which later became known as the Holy Grail, was used by Christ during the Last Supper. Then Joseph of Arimathea collected the blood of the crucified Jesus into this cup, after which it acquired miraculous power. In Ancient Rome, there is also a story related to emerald. Legend has it that Emperor Nero had a special large emerald crystal, polished into the shape of a convex lens, through which he watched gladiator fights.

Emerald is considered to be a talisman for nursing mothers and travelers. Emerald is especially suitable for representatives of three zodiac signs: Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. Anyone who wears an emerald is freed from melancholy and insomnia. The emerald must be set in gold, which will save its owner from the evil eye and various dangers. When an emerald is given to a beloved woman, it becomes her amulet and awakens love for the one who gave it. It is believed that an emerald should be worn on the little finger, then its healing properties are more clearly manifested.

SAPPHIRE

The sky is one big sapphire surrounding our Earth, they used to believe.

Sapphire is one of the four most expensive stones in the world. Jewelry with sapphires was worn on the chest by the priests of Ancient Egypt and the high priests of Judea; The seal of King Solomon was carved from sapphire. Muslims believed that our world was surrounded by a chain of sapphire mountains that gave a blue reflection, which is why blue sapphires began to be called “splashes of the sky.”

Contrary to popular belief, sapphires are not only blue.
The color of the gem can be yellow, pink, green, orange and purple, almost any shade except red. Sapphires of these unconventional colors are called “fancy.” The most preferred color of sapphire is an intense, rich blue. For specialists and connoisseurs, the most beautiful and most valuable color is cornflower blue. Sapphire is capable of exhibiting asterism - star formation.
Three rays intersecting in it with a bright point in the middle were associated in the old days with the three greatest forces, engines and root causes of life: Faith, Hope, Love. Sapphires are mined in various parts of the world; they are found in Russia, Australia, and Africa. However, the most famous place for finding blue gems has long been the island of Ceylon - the “island of gems”.

The world's most famous sapphire now sits in the center of the large cross atop Queen Victoria's Grand State Crown. According to legend, the English king Edward the Confessor, who wore this sapphire in a ring, gave it to a beggar, since the king had already given away all the money he had in alms. Many years later, two pilgrims from the Holy Land returned the ring to the king. They told him that they had met this strange beggar in Jerusalem, and that in fact he was Saint John. He told them that he had been wandering the earth for a long time in the guise of a beggar, and that one day the king gave him this ring. Saint John blessed the king for his generosity, and promised that they would soon meet in paradise. In 1066, the king died and was buried with a sapphire ring. Two hundred years later his coffin was opened, but the body of Edward the Confessor was found perfectly preserved. Members of Westminster Abbey removed the ring from the king's hand and handed it over to the royal treasury. The St Edward's sapphire has been part of the Crown Jewels ever since.

Boris Godunov, known as a great lover of gems, believed that of all known precious stones, only sapphire has a special mysterious power and the largest list of useful properties.

Sapphire is capable of granting its owner secret power over other people, but only helps strong people. This is a stone of peace of mind and trust, a stone of virtue that protects against excess, a stone of inner harmony.

Colored sapphires should be worn by people born under the sign of Aquarius, as well as Virgo and Libra.

RUBY

“It’s brighter than Bagheera’s eyes,” said Mowgli, turning the ruby ​​with admiration...

“Many people would kill three times a night for this one red stone,” Kaa noted.

The most valuable property of ruby ​​is its rich scarlet color, which is sometimes called “pigeon blood”. The shades of this stone can vary from deep pink to deep red and fiery crimson.

Almost all continents have ruby ​​deposits, only Antarctica does not have them. The main exporting countries of this gemstone are: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, Kenya, Tajikistan. Asian rubies are the most prized.

Ruby is truly a royal stone. Numerous rubies adorn royal and royal regalia and jewelry from many countries around the world, for example, the “Ruby Burmese Tiara” from the personal collection of Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara was made in 1973 by court jewelers Garrard & Co, commissioned by the queen herself. Rubies in a tiara are a wedding gift from the Burmese people, which is why the tiara has this name. In Burma, they believe that rubies save a person from illness and misfortune. The number of rubies corresponded to the number of diseases that the Burmese believed had an impact on the human body.

The first information about rubies dates back to the 4th century BC and is found in Indian and Burmese chronicles. The rulers of Burma held many titles, one of them was the title "Lord of Rubies". When the king was informed that a wonderful stone had been found, he sent a delegation accompanied by warriors on elephants to fetch it. They were to preserve the huge ruby ​​and bring it to the royal palace with all due honors.

The most famous connoisseurs and collectors of rubies were Cleopatra, Messalina, Maria Stuart, Cardinal Richelieu, Maria de Medici.

The largest ruby ​​mined weighed 167 carats. It received its own name - “Edward's ruby”, in honor of the English king who reigned on the throne at that time.

In ancient times, rubies were credited with various healing properties: to stop bleeding, preserve memory, give vigor and joy, and courage. Ruby patronizes people born under the sign of Leo. He makes Leo women attractive and attracts love to them. For Leo men, the stone helps to cope with self-doubt, gives courage, and helps to correctly assess the current situation.

Methods for determining the authenticity of a ruby:

— If you place a ruby ​​in a glass vessel, a reddish color will emanate from it. If a ruby ​​is placed in a glass of cow's milk, the milk will take on a pinkish color, whereas it is usually yellowish in color;

- The ruby ​​appears dark red when viewed from one angle, and pale when viewed from the reverse side;

- A crack in a real ruby ​​will not shine. It will have a zigzag shape, whereas a crack in an imitation ruby ​​will be straight, clearly visible and shining;

— A fake ruby ​​turns orange when placed under an ultraviolet lamp.

TOPAZ

The angelic radiance of this gem creates a feeling of harmony and peace, evoking associations with eternity and a cloudlessly clear sky, beckoning into its boundless distances, where the gates of heaven open.

Blue topaz is a surprisingly delicate stone, but whimsical, and sometimes even frighteningly beautiful; it exudes something unearthly and magical.

According to one version, the origin of the name of this stone is shrouded in fog. According to it, topaz was found on the island of Topazios in the Red Sea, not far from Ethiopia. The island was completely covered by an ominous fog, and only the desperate daredevils who decided to visit the island received a sparkling reward. Translated from Greek, topaz means “search.” It is not surprising that its origin is associated with a foggy island, because the gem really does not like bright sunlight - it loses its color.

The color of topaz is varied: from wine yellow to blue, pink, golden, orange and reddish-orange (rare).
More often - colorless. Blue topaz is an amazingly beautiful stone that resembles clear, frozen water.
It is believed that blue topaz brings a person telling a lie to light, as if it highlights it, reveals it, makes it obvious and transparent - for this reason, blue topaz in ancient times was an indispensable accessory of any criminologist. Topazes have been known to mankind since ancient times; The most ancient products made from topaz are blade plates used in everyday life and ritual rituals. They were found during excavations at a site of primitive people in the Urals.

Nature has endowed topazes with the ability to grow very well! The largest officially registered topaz in the world is called “Eldorado Topaz”, stored in Brazil and weighs 31,000 carats!

During the XVIII - XIV centuries. and until the mid-twentieth century, the largest number of topaz finds was recorded in the Urals, in the Ilmensky Mineralogical Reserve. In Rus', topazes have long been loved by jewelers. They became decorations for gospels and icon frames; after the discovery of deposits in the Urals, they began to be inserted into rings, tiaras, and fancy stone flowers were made, which the first beauties at court boasted about.

In the ancient world, topaz was a symbol of the zodiac sign Scorpio. It was believed that wearing this stone makes its owners honest, decent and generous. According to the Bible, topaz is one of the 12 biblical stones with which the linen bag (“confidant”) of the High Priest was decorated when he worshiped Jehovah.

Blue topaz is best suited for those born under the signs of Leo and Sagittarius, as well as for all those born in November. Blue topazes are best combined with yellow metals in the form of inserts in rings, bracelets, and pendants. When combined with other gems, topaz does not lose its healing properties.

Topaz is a universal stone, it is very beautiful, but at the same time it does not require you to wear an evening outfit like a diamond, and will suit any of your outfits, regardless of its style and color. Topaz is good to wear on the eve of and during an important meeting where your fate is being decided.

Owners are advised to wear it on the index finger of the right hand, preferably in a gold ring, pendant or bracelet

CITRINE

Citrine is considered the birthstone of November. These yellow stones have a mellow, warm tone that seems to reflect the final heat of autumn.

Citrine is a golden variety of quartz. The name of the citrine stone comes from the Latin. citrus - lemon yellow.

The color of citrine varies from light lemon to amber-honey. This magnificent stone is widely used in jewelry. It is cut into all sorts of shapes, extracting all its potential and beauty.

Citrine is a third-order gemstone, therefore it is considered not expensive in comparison with other stones. However, today good citrine jewelry is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

At first it was sincerely considered topaz. Only in the middle of the 18th century, the researcher Valerius identified the golden variety of quartz as a separate species - and this was not easy, because topaz and citrine are often completely indistinguishable in appearance, and the difference lies only in hardness, density and weight, which are large in topaz.

Citrine has been found in Spain, on the Scottish island of Arran, as well as in France and Hungary. Citrine crystals are rare in nature. Therefore, back in the Middle Ages, imitation citrine was obtained artificially by heating amethyst crystals. These crystals differ from real citrines in being slightly more durable and less bright. The world record for real citrine belongs to a crystal weighing 2258 carats.

Today, the main deposits of citrine are Brazil (Bahia, Goias, Minas Gerais), Madagascar, USA, Spain, France, Scotland, the Urals and Kazakhstan.

When purchasing citrine jewelry, you need to know the following: citrine has dichroism, i.e.
changes hue depending on the viewing angle. When turning the stone from side to side, you should observe how the hue and saturation of the tone of natural citrine changes. It is believed that it is capable of bringing success in financial matters. Men are recommended to wear a citrine ring on their little finger. They made all sorts of things out of citrines in Tsarist Russia - jewelry for high-society fashionistas, and carved seals set in gold, which were used to seal letters in the 19th century.
In South America, amulets were made from citrines to protect their owners from the bites of poisonous snakes; in Europe it acquired a strange reputation as a talisman for swindlers, and rings with it were worn by sharpers, thieves and professional gamblers. But in Ancient Rome, citrine jewelry was worn by the most respected people - orators and philosophers. This gemstone would be ideal as a gift for the 17th year of marriage.

Citrine patronizes people born under the sign of Gemini. They are united by a common planet - Mercury. For Gemini, who is active and always looking for something new, citrine serves as an excellent talisman for travel, travel, and also in matters related to obtaining information. For Gemini women, citrine jewelry helps develop intuition; Gemini men - bring good luck in financial matters.

Place of Birth

There are a lot of deposits of this mineral on our planet. Particularly large ones are in Brazil. This is where the record-breaking stone weighs 5 tons . There are gems of all colors there. Red topazes are highly prized (they are called “Brazilian rubies”).

In Russia, multi-colored stones are mined in Transbaikalia (near Nerchinsk), in the Urals (their figurative name is “Ural diamonds”).

In Germany, colorless samples (called “Saxon diamond”) and wine-yellow samples are found.

Sri Lanka supplies the market with colorless topazes (“water sapphires”) and golden ones.

Description and physical properties

Topaz is a 2nd level semi-precious stone, but due to its beauty, demand and cost, it has been promoted to the precious segment. The composition is aluminum fluorosilicate. The chemical formula is Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2 .

This gem has the following properties:

• Hardness is high - 8 points on the Mohs scale . Despite this, it lends itself perfectly to jewelry processing.
• High density ( 3.49–3.57 g/cm3 ) and transparency.
• Topaz comes in various color shades or colorless. The coloring is usually clear, without haze. There are also “cat’s eye” effects.
• It is easily electrolyzed by friction and temperature changes, which causes a slight tingling sensation on the skin in people.
• Discolors when exposed to sunlight. Can restore color by lying in the dark.
• Heat treatment makes the color rich.

FORMAL METHODS

Determining the authenticity of a sapphire using methods available to the average person is ambiguous. Of no small importance in how to distinguish natural sapphire from an artificial sample is the help of specialists. The relevant documentation - passport and certificate - must be studied thoroughly, on an individual basis.

Verification of documents

If you don't want to get into trouble, find a jewelry store with a good reputation: such organizations are ready to provide a certificate confirming the authenticity of each precious stone.

The jeweler must provide information regarding the cut of the piece.

Almost every mineral undergoes a number of procedures aimed at refining the stone. During this process, the sapphire is fired or treated with X-rays. Original stones tolerate this treatment quite well, but the synthetic sample acquires a striped structure.

One of the most reliable signs of quality is the cost of sapphire. The original gemstone is expensive.

Invitation of an expert

To eliminate any remaining doubts, when purchasing a product, contact an independent jeweler or gemologist to assess the quality. An expert can provide an initial opinion directly in the store.

To ensure a guaranteed result, you will need to analyze the sapphire using special methods and equipment.

Contacting an expert involves paying for his services, but this amount is insignificant in relation to the cost of the original stone. This will ensure your peace of mind and save your nerves.

Topazes: types and colors

This stone comes in a wide variety of shades due to its impurities and structure. It sometimes combines several colors at once - such minerals are called polychrome. In nature, yellow varieties of topaz are more common.

Colorless

White or silvery topazes are very common. Since their deposits are located close to the surface of the Earth, sunlight discolors them, turning them transparent.

It is the starting material for obtaining colored topaz.

It is similar to diamonds in terms of clarity, many facets and deep shimmers, therefore it is considered their affordable competitor.

Light blue, blue

These stones are rarely mined. Dark blue colors are often obtained through professional processing.

Minerals of dark blue shades are characterized by increased strength. Blue topaz is considered an example of sophistication and is highly valued by jewelers. The deficiency of natural topaz of a bright blue hue is compensated by the following technology: white minerals are irradiated, resulting in an inky color, which is lightened by heat treatment.

Irradiated specimens are kept under special conditions so that the radiation level becomes safe.

Trade names of blue and dark blue topazes:

• Sky Blue - light, not very expensive.

• Swiss Blue - with a darker shade. The price is higher.

• London Blue - dark blue and dark blue specimens. The darker it is, the higher it is rated. The cutting is done in a special way. London Blue is sometimes mistaken for sapphire.

Yellow

This mineral can have shades ranging from golden to brown. In the most valuable stones, rich yellow turns into blue.

There are many yellow topazes in India, where their medicinal properties were discovered.

Pink, red

These varieties are very expensive.

Red topaz cannot be counterfeited, as there is no technology that can make the crystals turn red while remaining transparent.

Green

This is a rare collectible mineral.

Its natural color, which is not typical for topaz, appears due to exposure to natural radiation.

The crystals have a soft, soft velvety sheen.

Haze and cloudiness indicate artificial processing, which reduces the value.

Black, purple

Deposits are rare. These minerals are difficult to cut. Black stones actually have a deep purple color and a haze inside, which is only noticeable in direct sunlight.

Smoky (rauchtopaz)

This stone is a variety of quartz, mistakenly classified as a member of the topaz family due to its smoky color. The name has become familiar in commerce and everyday life. The color range is from gray to brown.

"Mystic" topaz (rainbow)

Sparkles like a diamond. The crystal lattice creates multicolor. To become rainbow, you need processing, the technology of which was patented at the end of the 20th century. The colorless mineral is irradiated, after which it is coated with a microlayer of titanium or gold.

Imperial (Imperial, Royal)

There is no standard for its coloring. There is yellow, pink, and the orange-brown range is considered the standard. Very prized by jewelers.

Read also : Sapphire - a stone of magical flowering

CHECKING THE ORIGIN OF THE STONE

Let's look at how to determine the authenticity of a sapphire without special equipment and knowledge.

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The mineral has certain characteristics that help to uniquely identify it among others.

Mechanical impact

Natural or natural sapphire, unlike synthetic, has sharp corners and flat edges.

The mineral has high hardness and strength; in these parameters it is second only to the hardest stone - diamond.

Either the same crystal or a diamond can leave damage on a mineral.

At the same time, the stone easily leaves marks on hard surfaces: for example, glass.

Try to draw a scratch on a crystal: a natural one will not get any marks, but a fake one will have a crack.

However, this method is not entirely correct; tourmaline can also scratch glass.

Tourmaline

For such a check, it is necessary to select an inconspicuous area on the crystal.

Foreign matter analysis

Since the natural conditions for the formation of the mineral differ significantly from laboratory ones, the origin of sapphire can be determined by visual inspection.

A natural mineral is characterized by the presence of inclusions and heterogeneity of structure. They are visible with a magnifying glass or in bright natural light.

If inclusions are visible without a magnifying glass, it is most likely a low-grade natural sapphire.

The original stone does not have bubbles in its structure. Since fraudsters are familiar with this feature of the stone, they have learned to fake this characteristic, so this method does not provide final confidence in the authenticity of the sapphire.

There is another more reliable way to determine whether a sapphire is real or not.

The product is placed in a jar with monobromonaphthalene solution.

Authentication

The container is placed on a clean, white sheet of paper and illuminated from the side with bright light. This allows you to see inclusions in the form of stripes.

Natural sapphire inclusions have a straight shape, while fake ones have a curved shape.

The asterism effect - a special inclusion in the form of a hexagonal star - is of particular value for jewelers.

It is easy to distinguish the original of such a copy from an analogue: smooth rotation in the case of the original leads to a displacement of the sprocket, while in the case of a fake it will remain in the center. Fraudsters have not yet learned how to effectively fake this effect.

Color

Another reliable way to identify a mineral is the color of the sample. When the lighting changes, the color of a fake also changes, unlike the original.

Sapphire color

The initial assessment is carried out during the day in bright sunlight, then the stone is assessed using bright artificial lighting.

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A change in color in several tones indicates that the sapphire is a fake.

If the crystal has been subjected to heat treatment, this is recorded in the relevant documents. The stone is then evaluated under ultraviolet rays.

A fake sapphire will have a green tint, and the natural mineral will show itself with a light reflection.

Medicinal properties

Topaz is one of the 12 powerful minerals with strong healing effects. This is an attribute of the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda. The healing is enhanced if the jewelry frame is made of silver or yellow gold.

Helping on the mental and physical plane, this stone improves a person’s well-being.

In lithotherapy, the healing properties of the following topazes are used:

Colorless

• Increases the body's defenses.
• Helps strengthen the nervous system.
• Improves metabolism, thereby slowing down aging.
• Eliminates hormonal imbalances.
• Useful for insomnia.
• Beads protect against colds.
• Suitable for women's diseases, anemia.

Yellow

• Speeds up metabolism.
• It will help with throat and lung diseases if you wear a necklace.
• Calms nerves, stabilizes excessive emotions, suitable for people who have mental disorders.
• Relieves attacks of bronchial asthma when wearing the pendant.

Blue

• Has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland if worn around the neck.
• Restores women's health.
• Resists depression.
• Helps with exacerbations of asthma.
• Lowers blood pressure.

Smoky

• It will help make your sleep healing, restful, and without frequent waking up.
• Increases resistance to stress.
• It is not recommended for particularly dreamy people, as it can put them into a trance and immerse them in a different reality.

Pink

• Helps overcome stress.
• Reduces grief.

It is necessary to take into account that these pebbles help increase appetite.

Scientists do not recognize the healing effects of the mineral, but many people prefer to use it as an addition to the treatment recommended by doctors.

Magic properties

Since ancient times, people have been aware of the wonderful magical properties of topaz:

• In the East, it is considered a miraculous gem that promotes enlightenment of feelings and clarity of thoughts, comprehension of wise knowledge.
• Everywhere they believed that this stone was a protector from evil-minded people.
• It is believed that a talisman made from it helps in recognizing intrigue and deception, and in resolving complex cases. The mineral will only help an honest person with pure thoughts.
• Many take it on sea cruises, because they are sure that the crystal can calm the storm.

Similarities and differences

If we talk about the differences between sapphire and topaz, then on the one hand they are completely different, and on the other hand, there are common features between them.

• Topaz is considered semi-precious; it is very popular among the female half of humanity due to its diverse range of colors. The mineral has a low cost, but has excellent strength.
• There are famous crystals of this gem in the world. For example, the Braganza mineral adorns the crown of the King of Portugal. For a long time it was considered a real diamond, and only then the true nature of its origin was discovered.
• The famous story about the crystal called “The Brazilian Princess” also attracts attention. The mineral weighs more than 5 kg, and for a long time served as a door support in a store in Sri Lanka. The owner considered the crystal to be ordinary glass until he revealed its true essence.

• Jewelry with topaz can easily replace even real diamonds. It is advisable to wear them only in the evening and at official receptions.
• Sapphires are considered precious minerals. They include unusual combinations of iron and titanium, which produce the deep blue color. However, sometimes you can find orange shades, but this is considered an exception.
• Cleopatra herself decorated her own crown with such jewelry; she believed that minerals had magical properties and could provide her with reliable protection and bring good luck.
• Sapphire is considered a symbol of the heavenly dome. There is an opinion that the crystal effectively heals wounds and helps to recover after surgery, treats infertility and diseases of women, and helps with heart diseases.
• Astrologers are convinced that sapphire is perfect for Sagittarius. It helps them enhance their own attractiveness, allows them to achieve what they want, and men become confident in themselves and make important decisions.

Sapphires and topazes personify the impeccable taste of their owners and give them attractiveness.

Who is Topaz suitable for according to their zodiac sign?

According to astrology, it is suitable for all signs except Taurus and Aquarius, for whom it is better to prefer a different talisman. Agate, malachite, hyacinth, carnelian, emerald are compatible with Taurus, and hawkeye, citrine, aquamarine, and turquoise are compatible with Aquarius.

According to the zodiac sign, topaz stone is perfect for Scorpio and Gemini. Its significance for Scorpio is very great. Anyone born under this zodiac constellation has a difficult character. The pebble will smooth out conflicts, help you choose the path to self-improvement, and will be an assistant in matters of the heart.

For different zodiac signs, astrologers recommend stones of a certain color:

• Aries - golden, red, purple, lilac.
• Gemini - white, yellow, golden.
• Cancer - blue, blue, green.
• Leo - yellow, pink, red, purple-violet.
• Virgo - golden, yellow, lilac, purple, greenish, brown.
• Libra - blue.
• Scorpio - everything, but purple and blue shades are preferred.
• Sagittarius - blue.
• Capricorn - brown, greenish, transparent purple.
• Pisces - blue color.

It is better for a person who has many household members not to purchase topaz, even if it suits the horoscope, otherwise discord and chaos are possible in the family.

Topaz is useless for any zodiac sign if a person has dishonest thoughts.

What is sapphire

These are varieties of corundum that can be transparent or opaque. Unlike the previous mineral, sapphires are mined much simpler and easier and there are more deposits of them on the planet. They have a bright, rich blue color and are actively used in jewelry. Many models and actresses prefer sapphires in excellent gold or silver cut as jewelry. The most famous and valuable are the following types of corundum:

• Kashmiri . These are the most expensive and valuable gems. The mineral deposit is located in the Indian state of Kashmir. Mining has been going on there since the nineteenth century to this day. Gems from these quarries have more than 15% purple and violet impurities. They shine perfectly in the light and have a rich blue color with purple notes.
• Sri Lankan . In Sri Lanka, sapphires are mined mainly of the Padparadscha type. They shine in shades of pink and orange. At the same time, gems from the city of Ratnapura are famous for their blue and blue tint, which Kashmir stones do not have, so they are in great demand for making jewelry. Thanks to the unusual tint, the minerals from Ratnapura received their own name for the color “Ceylon color”.
• Thai . These gems are distinguished by their greenish tint, which is why they are called “Siamese”. For a long time, the largest sapphires were mined in Thailand. So at one time a stone weighing 958 carats was found, which was the largest on the planet. Some minerals mined in this country have an indigo color, which, at different angles of incidence of light rays, becomes either dark green or dark blue.

Compatibility with other stones

In order for wearing semi-precious jewelry, talismans and amulets (amulets) to bring only benefits, you should know the energy and properties of these minerals, and take into account their belonging to certain elements.

Topaz is a stone of the Air element, well compatible with its fellow air elements (with the exception of rock crystal) and with Fire stones (except diamond).

This mineral does not combine with stones of Water (aquamarine, opal, pearl, etc.) and Earth (malachite, turquoise, jade, etc.).

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.

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 from a fake

Topaz is popular and expensive, so it is often counterfeited (most of all, rare varieties of rich tones).

Imitations of these gems are as follows:

• glass;
• cheap stones;
• refined samples.

The origin of topaz can be determined at home:

• Rub the mineral on a woolen cloth. If pieces of paper, hair, or ashes stick to it, then the mineral sample is natural. Some people feel a tingling sensation on the skin when touching a gem.
• Real topaz can scratch quartz and crystal. On the other hand, scratches can only appear from a diamond.
• Stones of natural origin are weakly amenable to heat. Holding them in your hands, you will notice that they remain cold for a long time.
• Once in a solution of methylene iodide, real topaz will instantly sink, and the fake one will float.
• The tones of natural stones are calm and gentle. If they were irradiated, the color will be venomous. A fake can only be accurately identified using special equipment.
• Natural crystals have cracks and defects. A flawless surface indicates imitation.

All of the methods listed will only give a preliminary estimate. They determine the origin of the stone and accurately detect counterfeits in a gemological laboratory.

How to recognize a fake quartz or glass

Quartz and glass fakes are common because they are cheaper and at first glance indistinguishable from natural stone. But there are some features that allow you to distinguish topaz from a fake:

• Glass and quartz are much rougher and more transparent, while a real gem has smooth edges and tiny inclusions or defects in the structure.
• Expensive stones are combined with gold and platinum, less often with silver, but topaz in a silver frame is a common occurrence on the jewelry market. A seller who claims that he is offering a real precious gem in a base metal frame is probably lying.
• You can recognize glass by its too rich and deep shade.
• Glass and other cheap imitations are always warmer and heat up faster in your hands because they transmit heat better.
• Topaz has a higher density than quartz, so if you have a quartz crystal of the same size on hand, the topaz will be heavier when comparing weight.
• The bright shine gives it away as a fake.
• Quartz and glass are not electrified, so to check, you can rub the product with a woolen cloth. If it does not attract lint, the stone is fake.

Conscientious jewelers use minerals in their products that have been authenticated by a professional appraiser. Such stones have a certificate, which the seller must provide upon the buyer's request. This is a legal document that describes the characteristics: color, size, presence of inclusions and impurities, place of extraction, cutting method. If the store refuses to provide it, it is likely that the certificate is simply missing, which indirectly indicates the sale of an imitation.

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).

Price

The cost of topaz is determined by the following criteria:

• color;
• origin;
• cutting;
• weight.

The price is determined by the type of stone. The most expensive minerals are those with red tints, pink, blue and dark blue. The price of such specimens ranges from $300–600 per carat .

Yellow and brown topazes have a lower price - $25–70.

Topaz of garishly poisonous colors can be purchased for - $5–10.

The most expensive are the imperial ones. Their price depends on the color:

• pink, as well as with a predominance of scarlet shades - $500–3500 per carat ;
• yellow - $70–500.

Read also : Scapolite - a stone staff that bestows knowledge

Price

To compare the value of sapphire and emerald, which are included in the group of first-order precious stones, you can analyze the pricing features of these stones. As for emerald, its cost directly depends on the weight expressed in carats, the degree of processing and color.

According to international standards, the price of a gemstone is expressed in US dollars per carat. There is an approximate price range for emeralds of different qualities:

1. Low quality emerald: US$350-$375 per carat.
2. Good quality: $650–$2,700.
3. Very good quality: $2300-$5500.
4. Excellent quality: $5,000–$8,000.

Stones weighing 12-15 carats can cost $10,000-$12,000 per carat.

If we are talking about the cost of a product with an emerald, then it will depend not only on the weight of the stone, but also on the type of precious metal, the complexity of the jeweler’s work and the weight of the finished jewelry. For example, a ring made of 585 white gold, inlaid with a tiny stone, will cost about 20,000 rubles.

As for the cost of sapphires, everything will depend on the color of the gemstone and the features of its processing:

1. Blue: If heat treated, the price will be 300-600 US dollars per carat. If the mineral cannot be processed, then its price can exceed $1,000 per carat.
2. Padparadscha: characterized by the presence of several shades at once: orange, pink and purple. Padparadschas, which are used in the jewelry industry, cost $130–$150 per carat, but this only applies to stones weighing up to five carats.
3. Yellow: Costs $100-$120 per carat.
4. Green: the cheapest among the rest. Its price starts at $75 per carat.

As for products with sapphires, the most expensive will be those inlaid with cornflower blue stones. For example, a ring (weight 1.88 grams), made of 585 white gold, with one miniature sapphire (0.12 carats) will cost about 12,000 rubles.