Topaz is a gemstone that is incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately, many people do not know all that much about it. Most people are aware of the fact that Imperial Topaz is one of the birthstones for the month of November and that Blue Topaz is one of the birthstones for the month of December. Few people know much else about this gemstone, however. If you are interested in learning more about the history and lore of this gemstone, then you have come to the right place. Here are some interesting facts about Topaz.
The Egyptians believed that the Sun God, Ra, is the one who gave the gemstone its beautiful hue. Since there are many varieties of the gemstone which are yellow orange in color, it is easy to see why the Egyptians felt this way. Due to this popular belief, the Topaz gemstone was highly valued in the Egyptian culture. The Romans also believed that the sun was accountable for the color of Topaz. Many of the European countries believed the color of Topaz was closely associated with solar energy.
The name Topaz originates from the Sanskrit language, and has a meaning of “fire.” The reason that the gemstone may have been given this name, since many cultures did believe that the sun was the reason for its color. Since the sun is often referred to as a large ball of fire, this may explain where Topaz got its name from. Since there are orange and red varieties of the gemstone, this may also be the reason that it was given this name.
Topaz is a gemstone that is mined in quite a few locations throughout the world. Brazil is the location where the largest amount of Topaz has been found to date. Russia and Pakistan are two of the other main locations where it is mined. Afghanistan, Germany, Japan, Sri Lanka, Italy, the United States, and Mexico are all other countries where Topaz is mined on a regular basis. Although it is most common for colorless and light brown varieties of the gemstone to be found in all of these locations, there are areas where it is not at all unusual for colored varieties of Topaz to be discovered.
In 1740, the Braganza diamond was discovered in Brazil. It was 1,680 carats. Since it was believed to be the largest diamond that was ever found, the Braganza diamond was set in the Portuguese crown. It was later found that the Braganza was not a diamond, but was a colorless Topaz instead. The Portuguese Crown can currently be found in Dresden, Germany.
Keep in mind that the Braganza diamond is not the largest Topaz in the world, however. Although it is very large, there is still at least one that exceeds its size. At the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., there is a yellow Topaz on display. Sized at 23,000 carats, it is the largest gemstone that has been found to date. There are other fairly large Topaz gemstones which are in existence. It is not at all uncommon for two hundred pound masses of the gemstone to be mined in Brazil, and several other locations where the greatest amounts of Topaz are found.
There are a number of notable figures throughout history who owned Topaz gemstones. It was often gifted to those in high standing, which is mainly because Topaz was believed to provide the mind with wisdom and knowledge. There were many monarchs, kings, queens, and ambassadors who owned Topaz. The high priest Aaron also had Topaz set in his breastplate. It is in the very first row of gemstones.
Keep in mind that although Topaz was worn by many historical figures, it was not worn solely by them. Modern day celebrities have also been known to wear Topaz as well. Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie are two modern day celebrities who have been spotted wearing Topaz jewelry.
One of the main reasons that Topaz has gained so much attention over the years is due to the mystical properties that it has to offer. The gemstone’s healing properties especially have gained it a lot of popularity. It is believed to ward off colds, enhance the breathing process, and help those with insomnia sleep better at night. The Bushmen of Africa, who are well recognized for their ability to heal, have been known to use Topaz.
There are many other mystical properties that Topaz is believed to offer aside from healing powers. It is also believed to get rid of mood swings, relax the mind, and help one think more realistically about things. As previously mentioned, Topaz is also believed to provide the mind with wisdom and knowledge. Since ancient times, the gemstone was also thought to work as a censor for poison. When it is near food or drink that has been poisoned, Topaz is known to change colors.
It is believed that the only people who can take advantage of the mystical properties that Topaz has to offer are those were born during the months that it is a birthstone for. People born during November can take advantage of the mystical properties offered by Imperial Topaz, while anyone born during December can take advantage of mystical properties offered by Blue Topaz.
Another one of the interesting things about the mystical properties that Topaz has to offer is that it is not believed that one cannot benefit from them at all times. It is one of the only gemstones that is believed to work with the phases of the moon. When it is closer to the time of the month when the moon is entirely visible, the mystical properties will be much stronger. When the moon is not visible at all, the mystical properties will be almost nonexistent. Perhaps this is the reason that so many cultures believe that Topaz is so closely associated with the sun and solar energy.
Topaz can come in a number of different colors. This is one of the main reasons that the gemstone has gained so much appeal. It can be found in shades of yellow, orange, and light brown. Topaz can also be found in a variety of shades of blue, including Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue. There are also a variety of shades of Green Topaz, including Apple Green, Teal/Aqua Green, and Emerald Green. Other colors include pink and red. Colorless Topaz is much more common to find in nature, however. Many of the other colors are created synthetically, by enhancing the appearance of colorless or light brown Topaz gemstones.
One of the interesting things about the different color varieties of Topaz that are also birthstones is that they seem to conform well with the month that they have been chosen for. Imperial Topaz, which tends to be a shade of yellow or orange with hints of brown, is one of the birthstones for the month of November. Since these are the main colors of autumn leaves, it makes a lot of sense why this would be the birthstone for November. Blue Topaz, which ranges from light to medium blue, is one of the birthstones for the month of December. It also makes sense why this variety of the gemstone would be selected as a birthstone for this month, since light blue is commonly associated with winter.
Blue Topaz is the most common color variety for Topaz, followed closely by varying shades of yellow and orange. Although Green Topaz is not quite as common as some of the other color varieties, Mystic Fire Topaz is another enhanced color which is becoming popular nowadays. The gemstone is a combination of green and purple hues. The way that it is made is by placing the purple enhancement underneath the green enhancement, so that the green will reflect the purple. The end result is stunning.
There is no doubt that Topaz is a very beautiful gemstone, which comes in a variety of different colors. As if this were not enough to make one appreciate the gemstone already, Topaz has a very interesting history and much lore surrounding it.
See additional information on the Topaz Myth.