Topaz Gemstone Origin
Topaz's meaning comes from the Sanskrit for fire. Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine originally rooted in nineteenth-century Russia. Topaz was named to honor Russian emperors called the czar. At that time, the Ural Mountains were topaz's leading source of Topaz.
Topaz is well known for its pinkish-orange color, however, it also comes in many different ranges of colors. Pinkish orange topaz or better known as Imperial Topaz is a rare and pricy stone that was once only restricted to be owned by royals.
Since the discovery of large topaz deposits in Brazil in the mid-19th century, the price of topaz become more affordable, with more availability in the market.
Topaz as the October Birthstone
November 1 - 30
Alongside citrine, Topaz is the November birthstone that can be found in abundance in most gem-stocking regions all over the world.
Color, Shades, and Varieties
Topaz colors range from crystal clear diamond white to peachy orange, greens, reds, sky blues, and every other color tone in between. Each color has its special characteristics and uniqueness, and some colors are much rarer than others.
The topaz species are divided into varieties. We listed out some of the most popular ones.
Blue topaz became the official state gem of Texas in 1969 when a rare natural blue topaz was discovered in Mason County. It is one of the popular gemstones which have a range of exciting shining blue colors. Blue topazes are classified depending on their hue, including the Swiss Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz, Sky Blue Topaz, and Baby Swiss Topaz.
White topaz makes a good alternative to diamonds. White Topaz is a colorless form of Topaz that is often compared with Diamond for its similar physical features and luster, however, they have less brilliance and hardness. It is one of the most popular and most affordable of all known White gemstones available in the market.
Yellow topaz is the traditional color associated with topaz gems and ranges from yellow to yellowish-brown in color. Yellow Topaz, also known as Golden Topaz, is recognized as the substitute for yellow sapphire in Indian astrology.
Pink topaz is one of the rarest true topaz colors. It can range from a brownish-champagne pink to a peachy-orange pink, to a light vivid pink similar to pink sapphire. Sherry Pink Topaz, also known as pink imperial topaz, is the rarest and most valuable of the Topaz family.
Imperial Topaz is an intense golden to reddish-orange color and is found primarily in Ouro Preto, Brazil. This family of Topaz is one of the highest values among others.
Topaz Symbolism:
Through the ages, topaz has been popularly associated with wealth.
If worn on the left arm, some believed a topaz amulet could protect the wearer from dark magic.
St. Hildegard recommended the topaz as a cure for dim vision.
Could relieve arthritis pain, improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and attract love.
Topaz is a very joyful and rejuvenating stone, and it's helpful in the process of manifestation.
White Topaz is known as the stone of awareness
The ancient Romans believed that topaz was protected from danger while traveling.