Thursday, February 25, 2010

Topaz

Topaz is an aluminum fluorite silicate containing fluorine. It is one of the few gem minerals, which, under suitable conditions, grow into enormous crystals. Topaz typically occurs in cavities in rhyolites and granite. It also occurs in pegmatite dikes, and in high-temperature veins with cassiterite and tourmaline. The stone is transparent with a vitreous luster. The name topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. According to another theory topaz derives its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone, which they called by this name, but which was the modern chrysolite or peridot.

It is believed that the topaz of modern mineralogists was unknown to the ancients and that the stone called topazos was the mineral chrysolite or peridot. In ancient times, a figure of a falcon carved on a Topaz was thought to help earn the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. Topaz is Stone of Strength noted by Greeks. During medieval days it was thought to heal physical and mental disorders as well as prevent death. In 1750 a Parisian jeweler discovered that the yellow Brazilian topaz becomes pink on exposure to a moderate heat, and this treatment has since been extensively applied, so that nearly all the pink topaz occurring in jewelry has been heat-treated. Such `burnt topaz` is often known as Brazilian ruby, as is the very rare, natural red topaz.


The Egyptians said that Topaz gemstone was colored with the golden glow of their mighty sun god `Ra`. This made Topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated Topaz gemstones with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. A Topaz gemstone sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional Topazes are pale pink to a sherry red.


Topaz, gemstone
Colour: Pure topaz is colorless, but it also occurs in a broad range of colors. The range started from yellow, blue, pink, peach, gold, green, red, and brown. Some natural yellow stones are heated to become permanently pink i.e. pinked topaz. The golden glow of late afternoon, the reddish orange of sunset and the pink of dawn`s first light, these can be explained as the colors of Topaz. This is a gem with the warm tones of the sun. Like the sun, topaz is flattering to the skin, lighting up the face with a golden glow that enhances every color with great aptitude. All of these colors are known as precious Topaz. Blue Topaz, a popular affordable gem, has an enhanced color. Topaz with a natural blue color is very rare. Topaz along with citrine is birthstones of Scorpion. The time ranges from Oct 24 - Nov 21. Topaz is the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 19th year of marriage. Imperial topaz is the anniversary gemstone for the 23rd year of marriage.

There are some varieties of Topaz and nothing compares to the sparkling brilliance of Blue Topaz. Orange-red Imperial Topaz is also rare. Precious topaz is most often found in a scissors cut, a rectangular gem cut with curved sides that has triangular facets. Ovals, cushions, and emerald cuts are also available.


Topaz has a hardness of 8. So Topaz should always be kept in separate boxes to protect other jewelry from scratches. Large temperature changes should also be avoided. Topaz often becomes paler if kept out in the sun. Topaz should not be cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. The best way to clean topaz is using toothbrush in warm soapy water to scrub behind the stone where dust can be collected.


Topaz Pendant
Topaz looks beautiful in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. Blue Topaz is available in a variety of shades, sizes and shapes. Red and intense pink are the most rare and most desirable colors for topaz as well. Pure topaz when brilliantly cut, they are mistaken even for diamond.

Topaz is a stone of strength. Topaz stimulates an endocrine system. It assists in general tissue regeneration. Topaz is valuable in the treatment of hemorrhages. It also increases poor appetite and helps fighting blood disorders. Topaz balances emotions and calms passions. It releases tension and gives feelings of joy. Topaz is also known as spiritual rejuvenation gemstone. Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with Diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks. Topaz gemstones should be worn only if one wishes to be clear-sighted. As legend has it Topaz dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well. Some persons believed that these gemstones had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz gemstone was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon. It was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages in a great manner.


In mysticism, the topaz is attributed with a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect. It is said to dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears, to warn its wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death. It is reputed to make men handsome and intelligent and sterile women fertile and happy. However, it is probably better not to rely too much on its magical powers. It was also claimed that one could immerse the hand in boiling water after a topaz had been thrown into it and retract it again unharmed. In the Empire style, the topaz was still widespread, but then the more reasonably priced citrine took over from it and even usurped its name i.e. gold topaz. Since then, the topaz has been a rather exotic figure in the jewellery trade, and has been given the additional predicate `pure` to make it clear that the topaz, not the quartz topaz, is meant. And it is still waiting for its well-deserved comeback to this day.