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
A diverse palette of colors and shades
In nature, topaz occurs in various colors and shades: from light blue to golden red. There are colorless and black minerals. Each color of the stone is mysterious in its own way, has a different purpose and its own “specialization”.
Blue topaz calms mental disorders, saves from insomnia, and endows a person with high moral qualities. Blue stone makes dreams come true and gives confidence. This color is recommended for sailors. According to legend, he prevents shipwrecks and calms storms. These two colors of the stone cannot stand deceitful people, do not tolerate deception, and will not help deceivers. The owner of a blue or blue mineral must have noble intentions and goals.
A clean and shiny crystal also has healing abilities. In the Middle Ages it was used to treat poisoning. Owners of this stone strengthen their immunity with its help. It is used to treat the musculoskeletal system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, liver and gall bladder.
Golden topaz drives away anger and hatred. It is needed by absent-minded people who cannot concentrate on an important matter. Such a stone will guide a person in the right direction and will not allow him to make mistakes.
Green stone is recommended for people who are tormented by dubious thoughts. The mineral has the ability to absorb all negative energy. To rid the mineral of negativity, it was placed in a vessel with clean water for a day.
Pink and white topazes represent justice. They guide people to do good deeds and deeds. White stones will help people who lack courage and confidence. Pink is worth having with you when guile, envy and self-interest prevail.
In the old days, gems were used to make amulets, amulets and talismans to protect against damage, curses, the evil eye of envy and other negativity.
There are legends about the strong protective properties of this stone.
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.
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.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | + |
Taurus | + |
Twins | ++ |
Cancer | + |
a lion | + |
Virgo | + |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | ++ |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | ++ |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
Topaz is compatible with all zodiac signs:
- For Sagittarius and Scorpio, a stone of any shade will give calm, wisdom, self-confidence, and help them come into harmony with their inner world.
- A yellow mineral is suitable for Gemini, Aries, Virgo and Leo - for these signs, topaz will enhance and strengthen their strong qualities.
- A green or transparent stone will give Capricorn men wisdom, and women – beauty and attractiveness.
- For Taurus, Libra and Cancer, blue topaz develops the ability to make the right decisions.
- For Aquarius, the pink mineral will add sensuality and reduce aggression.
The stone is useless only if the owner is planning something evil - this applies to all signs.
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.
Cutting inserts in jewelry
Topaz jewelry inserts are processed differently, depending on the color, shape and quality of the stone:
- more often the stone is turned into an oval or pandelok (that is, an elongated pendant);
- especially pure specimens are cut like emerald or diamond;
- specimens of unusual shape are processed in a fantasy way - in the form of a pear, heart, polygon;
- pebbles with impurities become cabochons;
- white or light stones receive a diamond cut, dark ones - a stepped cut;
- engraving is used.
A cut and polished stone acquires a shine comparable to that of a diamond.
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.
For women
For women, the range of jewelry with topaz is much wider - necklaces, pendants, chokers, earrings, rings, rings, bracelets, brooches. The color range of stones ranges from delicate blues and pinks to rich blues and reds. Depending on the frame, the price category can vary greatly:
- 14k white gold ring, 13.69 g, with blue topaz, 12.15 carats – RUB 54,760;
- ring made of 14k red gold with a total weight of 3.53 g, with topaz (1 piece 0.55 carat and 4 pieces 0.068 carat), garnets (1 piece 0.55 carat and 4 pieces 0.092 carat) and amethyst 0.4 carat – RUB 8,900;
- earrings with blue topaz 15x15 mm, with silver earrings – 750 rubles;
- moon pendant made of silver with 3 blue topaz – 14,350 rubles;
- blue topaz beads 42 cm – 8,000 rub.
Popular types of cuts
The cutting method is usually selected according to the shape and type of crystal, for example:
- oval or elongated topazes are processed using the cabochon method;
- crystals of other shapes - heart, pear (drop), geometry (rectangle, square, etc.);
- pure stones without impurities - emerald or diamond cut;
- with impurities – cabochon;
- light – diamond;
- dark – step cut.
Also read: Jewelry with Opal
In addition, the special density and hardness of the mineral allows you to perform various engravings on it.
Stone setting
As a frame for topaz, 925 sterling silver, yellow, pink, white, red gold of 585 and 750 samples, as well as platinum, are used.
Stone compatibility
Aesthetically, topaz harmoniously combines with almost all gems, but energetically - with such stones as:
- rhinestone;
- labradorite;
- emerald;
- opalescent lunar mineral.
But it is better not to combine it with ruby, chrysoprase and diamond.
How to wear
Jewelry with topaz will be appropriate both for a walk or in the office, as well as at a party or special event.
- For an evening look, a brooch with a large insert, a gold bracelet, or a set of earrings and pendants are well suited.
- Jewelry with a mix of multi-colored stones is good for parties - clothes are matched to the tone of one of the stones.
- For a business style, a gold ring on the index finger or a large ring on any finger are suitable.
- Blue topaz suits any type of appearance.
- A “winter” girl should opt for stones of deep blue or dark blue shades, “spring” – soft blue or white, “autumn” minerals in wine, yellow or golden shades, “summer” – pink and red.
- For those with fair skin, jewelry with a light frame - made of silver, platinum or white gold - is suitable.
- For women with peach or dark skin – red, pink and yellow gold.
- Light, light jewelry with small stones is suitable for young ladies.
- For mature, stately ladies, massive gold jewelry with large rich stones is appropriate.
Also read: Jewelry with Amber
Caring for your jewelry
Like other jewelry, topaz requires certain care:
- Clean items with minerals, either a special product for precious stones and metals, or a weak soap solution. The jewelry is soaked briefly, then lightly rubbed with a soft brush, rinsed with water and dried with a napkin.
- To clean jewelry with topaz, it is forbidden to use detergents with acid or chlorine, or hot water - this will discolor the stone.
- Jewelry should be removed before cooking, housework, or during physical activity.
- You should not wear jewelry on the beach, in a bathhouse or sauna - at high temperatures and in the sun, the mineral fades.
- Products with topaz should be stored in tightly closed boxes in a cool place.
Despite their density and hardness, crystals must be protected from impacts and falls.
How to distinguish from a fake
You can distinguish real topaz from a fake by the following characteristics:
- topaz can easily damage quartz;
- if the stone heats up quickly in your hands, then it is made of glass;
- a natural mineral will always have inclusions, cracks or other defects;
- topaz is highly electrified - if you rub it with a woolen cloth, hair, pieces of paper, and ash will begin to stick to it.
However, this method can only recognize cheap fakes made of glass or plastic. Synthetic crystals obtained in laboratory conditions are absolutely identical to natural ones.
Often the mineral is refined, artificially colored, in order to increase its value. Natural stone always has calm, muted colors.
In order not to run into fake or synthetic products, you need to buy products with topaz in specialized certified stores. Each product must have original packaging and a passport with information about the stone.
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).
Physicochemical characteristics
The color of the mineral depends on the impurities in its composition.
The properties of topaz have been studied in sufficient detail, because the gem has been known for a long time and is found often.
- The shade of the stone can be bluish, yellow, red, purple. There are also colorless specimens.
- The Mohs hardness scale is 8 out of 10, which is less than ruby or sapphire but greater than quartz rocks.
- Crystal density is up to 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter. Coupled with high hardness, it makes the gem quite heavy, which explains the widespread use of the stone as a material for pestles or hammers.
- Melting point is about 1500 degrees.
Topaz is a gem sensitive to high temperatures. Although it cannot be melted in the fire of a regular blowtorch, it will lose color when exposed to the flame. It also brightens if left in the heat.
This is due to the fact that the colors of the mineral depend on impurities that replace some of the atoms in the stone’s formula. Their bonds with the main atoms are fragile and are easily broken under the influence of high temperatures. Impurities evaporate from the composition of the gem, depriving it of its noble shade.
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.
Jewelry
Depending on the color, the following varieties of topaz are distinguished:
- Violet is an extremely rare and most expensive type of mineral.
- Blue - the most expensive after purple, has long been valued by sailors - they believed that the stone would protect them from troubles and help them return home.
- Yellow, lemon, brown - mined in Sri Lanka.
- London Blue is an artificially refined mineral of a rich blue color. Unrealistically beautiful, but less valued than natural blue.
- Smoky (rauchtopaz) is not officially considered topaz, but is popular on the market as the black variety of this mineral.
- Mystic Topaz is a mineral coated with artificial gold or titanium.
- Topaz Swiss is a very beautiful azure stone mined in the Alps.
- Wine (red, pink) - mined in Pakistan, India and Altai, less often in Europe.
- White is a pure mineral without impurities, used mainly in industry.
Sometimes polychrome ones are found in nature, i.e. multi-colored crystals - most often they combine blue, green, yellow, golden and wine shades.
Topaz is widely used in jewelry. The most common decorations are those with blue and blue minerals. The most successful combinations with topaz are silver with citrine, cubic zirconia and peridot, or gold/platinum with ruby, pearl, sapphire or small diamonds.
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.
Medicinal properties
Among the healing properties of topaz are the following:
- strengthening the immune system;
- prevention of infectious diseases;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- improvement of visual acuity;
- treatment of diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, colitis, ulcers, etc.), as well as eating disorders - bulimia, anorexia.
Earrings with topaz will calm the nervous system, a pendant with a golden stone will cure diseases of the throat and lungs, and a choker will improve appetite.
A silver frame will enhance both the healing and magical properties of topaz.
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.
DESCRIPTION OF STONE
The gem stands out not only for its beauty, but also for the characteristics of the stone.
Its high density competes with diamonds, the largest specimens weigh more than a hundred kilograms, and cavemen knew about mystical and healing powers.
History and origin
All studies about topaz and its origin agree that the mineral got its name due to the place where it was first discovered - on the island of Topazios in the Red Sea.
Topaz
The name is also associated with the word “tapaz”, which translated from Sanskrit means “hot, burning”. The version is also worthy of trust, since natural topaz stands out with a rich, warming color. Apparently, the first minerals found were yellow in color.
The gem was known even to primitive people - elegantly careless crafts made from the gemstone are sometimes discovered at excavations at sites.
Scientists suggest: even cave people believed in the mystical power contained in stones. Amulets with roughly cut topaz were found among the peoples of India and the Middle East.
Over time, the mineral became one of the distinctive symbols of the nobility - ancient jewelers made stunning jewelry for aristocrats. Along with other precious stones, only rich and influential people could afford products with topaz.
Some gems distinguished themselves so much that they went down in history.
The most famous topaz, called “Akademik Fersman,” weighs 2.1 kg.
It’s not even the weight that’s surprising, but the color range – a transparent stone with a soft inner blue glow.
The mineral found its way into gemological textbooks in European countries.
Academician Fersman
Physicochemical characteristics
- The chemical formula of topaz is Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2; natural stone contains impurities of iron, chromium or titanium.
- The properties of topaz, its chemical composition and physical characteristics make it possible to distinguish the stone from a fake and give an idea of how to care for the jewelry.
- Topaz is considered the standard stone on the Mohs hardness scale - it determines the hardness of the mineral. The stone occupies eighth place in it.
- For example, if you run it over the quartz that is in the seventh position, it will leave a scratch on the quartz. This is the easiest way to determine whether this is a fake or a natural mineral.
- Although the stone is not easily damaged, you should not test its strength with harder gems (sapphires or diamonds).
- The density of topaz and its high specific gravity were noted by the Ural miners - for which the crystal was nicknamed “heavy weight”. Density is on par with diamond, the hardest mineral.
- It is worth remembering that the color of a mineral does not depend on impurities, but on structural defects - the so-called atomic vacancies. Where there should be an atom in the ideal structure of a mineral, there is an empty space.
- Yellow color is obtained in the absence of a fluorine atom, blue - in the absence of an oxygen atom. If the mineral is transparent, then its structure is close to ideal.
Topaz ring
Where is topaz mined?
In Russia, the Ural Mountains, or more precisely, the Ilmen Mineralogical Reserve, are considered the largest place for mineral extraction. Due to their hardness and density, the gems are also called “Ural diamonds.”
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The crystal purity and expressive colors of stones mined in the Urals allow us to compete adequately in the world market.
Ukrainian gems from the Volyn deposit are known. The largest topaz of jewelry value was mined here - the mass of the unprocessed mineral was as much as 117 kilograms.
In nature, topazes are also found in the mountains of Sri Lanka and Brazil. They were once mined in the mountains of Switzerland (there is even a “Swiss blue” color), but now their deposits have dried up.
The mountains of Brazil are extremely rich in high quality stones, making this country the main supplier of topaz for the jewelry industry.
Mountains of Brazil
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.