Topaz: The most versatile gemstone?
From Greek mythology to the Middle Ages, the Topaz gemstone brings with it a long history. Hardly any gemstone is available in as many colors as the beautiful Topaz stones. What you should know about these special minerals, we reveal it to you here.
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Origin of name and Places of Discovery
Exactly where the name Topaz comes from remains unclear to this day. There are two theories:
- The name goes back to the Greek word Topazios, the name of an island in the Red Sea. On this island once beautiful stones were found, actually so-called olivine, which, however, was confused with Topaz stones for a long time.
- The origin is the ancient Indian word tapas, which can be translated as glow.
Topaz can be found in Mexico, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Myanmar, Japan, Pakistan, Norway, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, USA as well as Afghanistan. The largest Topaz weighing 2500 kg was found in Mozambique.
Topaz: Appearance and Chemical structure
Topaz stones are available in many different shades. The variations are caused by different oxidation processes. The versatile gemstones belong to the mineral class of silicates and are a suborder of this chemical group.
Topaz gemstones are available in a variety of colors. Blue Topaz stones are especially popular. Here you can often find the names "Sky Blue" (very light blue) "Swiss Blue" (light blue) and "London Blue Topaz" (medium blue), the latter containing a very specific shade of blue, which can only be achieved by complex post-treatment of the natural stone.
Honey yellow Topaz stones from Brazil are also very popular. They are known as Imperial Topaz - a rather expensive type of Topaz. They are extremely rare and enchant with their high radiance. A brown Topaz gemstone is also available - these stones are found in large numbers in Pakistan.
A nice alternative for those, who like it a bit more neutral, are white Topaz stones. These strongly resemble a diamond in appearance, but are much softer in comparison.
Topaz stones belong to the hard and robust minerals. On the Mohs scale, they score an 8 out of 10 - which means they are less prone to scratches.
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Topaz History
The Topaz has always fascinated people and therefore appears in many stories and legends. Already in Greek mythology the beautiful Topaz appears. It is said to have been the favorite of Apollo, the god of light, who is said to have always carried the gemstone with him.
In the biblical context, the Topaz gemstone is found in the breastplate of the high priest. As the second stone, it conveys special powers and represents invincibility. The Topaz was also built into the city wall of the Heavenly Jerusalem and in the Revelation of John, it was the 9th stone of the 12 foundation stones.
It is also one of the apocalyptic stones, fends off enemies and attackers, and enchants with its otherworldly beauty and heavenly splendor. In ancient Egypt, the Topaz gemstone symbolized the sun god Ra. The wearer was granted wisdom and power. It plays a significant role in various healing ceremonies of Africa.
In India, there was a superstition that a Topaz worn on the body would bring about a happy and beautiful life. Hindu mythology attributed to it clear thoughts and a sharp mind. The ancient Romans and Greeks saw in the Topaz a messenger of light. Since the Middle Ages, it has been an integral part of jewelry making.
Topaz Gemstone: Use in Jewelry
Earrings, necklaces, rings - the Topaz gemstone can be used in many ways. A clear plus point for the Topaz is its great variety of colors: from cool ice blue to sunny yellow to intense sea green, everything can be found.... Topaz jewelry sets strong accents and is perfect for anyone looking for a colorful eye-catcher. Those who like it more neutral, of course, can also opt for the white Topaz.
Combinations with other gemstones are particularly beautiful, but also classically, worn individually, they provide absolute eye-catching moments.
Discover our Topaz ring AURORA, Sterling Silver or 18 carat Gold Vermeil
Spiritual Meaning
Strong healing powers are attributed to the Topaz gemstone within spirituality and esotericism. It is considered a symbol of self-realization and development. If we often feel inhibited and sunk in self-doubt, we can gain new courage to live through the Topaz. It brings us back to our own center and helps us to achieve new goals. Psychologically, it can help with exhaustion and inertia.
Depending on the color, the effects differ:
- Yellow Topaz: it strengthens our self-confidence and leads us to our own center. It strengthens the digestive system and supports the pancreas, small intestine and stomach.
- Blue Topaz: promotes natural authority and counteracts excessive nervousness.
- Silver Topaz: is helpful in resolving internal blockage. Eye ailments are relieved and mental development is stimulated.
- Pink Topaz: is helpful in developing warmth of heart. Nervous conditions can be alleviated. -Imperial Topaz: own talents are brought to light and generosity and magnanimity are promoted.
- White Topaz: promotes the healing of injuries. Activation of the entire metabolism provides well-being.
Topaz: Chakra Teachings
Chakras are energy centers located in the body along the spine. Spiritualists believe that these energy centers can significantly affect our mental and spiritual well-being. If they are blocked, serious disorders and diseases can result. The seven chakras are assigned to individual gemstones.
Due to its variety of colors, the Topaz gemstone can be used in many ways.
- Imperial Topaz: gently affects the sacral chakra as well as the solar plexus. Blocked emotions, lack of self-confidence, as well as lack of sex drive can be influenced positively.
- Blue Topaz: has a balancing effect on a blocked neck chakra. A stiff neck, a busy tongue, as well as difficulties in communication, can be treated well.
- White Topaz: clear gemstones are usually associated with the brow chakra. They sharpen our vision and open us to our higher consciousness. Mental insight and strong decision-making power characterize the crown chakra. Blockages in this area make themselves felt through overthinking and indecisiveness.
The Topaz Gemstone in Astrology
Topaz is the birthstone of all those born in November. As a result, it is said to be especially effective for the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Scorpio. Traditionally, the Topaz gemstone is also associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. It is said to give its wearers more courage and stamina.