“Topaz Gemstone – Symbol of Beauty and Splendor”

Topaz is a beautiful gemstone which is celebrated as a symbol of beauty and splendor. This can not be proved till now that whether the name of the topaz comes from the Greek name 'topazos' which means 'green gemstone' or from Sanskrit word though The Romans dedicated the topaz to the planet Jupiter. The topaz gemstone has been known for at least 2000 years. And it is one of the gems which form the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of The New Jerusalem.

Color: Yellow is the most common color of topaz, and it is the color in which it occurs in one of the major German gemstone rocks, the Schneckenstein. While the range of colors for topaz is quite varied, going from clear through yellow, brown, blue and even bright red, the most desired is usually the champagne to golden yellow which is also the most expensive. Blue topaz is also becoming more popular.

The huge and superb topaz from the Portuguese crown was for a long time thought to be a diamond, but later it was realized that it’s a Topaz. The enormous topaz of “The Braganza” crown weighs 1680 ct.

Remarkable deposits of Topaz are found in Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Africa and China. It is the birthstone for the month of November and is a talisman for the sign of Sagittarius and is also the anniversary for the 23rd year of marriage.

Topaz possess noticeable mystical powers, it is attributed with a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect. It is also believed to dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears. Folklore also believes that it warns its wearer of poisons and protects him/her from sudden death. A Fable says that topaz dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight. Whereas the ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength. The Egyptians believed that the golden glow of the god sun colored topaz yellow. These stones are also intended to serve in protection against enemies.

Properties of Topaz :-
Hardness: 8
Toughness: Fair to poor
Specific Gravity: 3.55 (+/- .02)
Refractive Index: 1.610 to 1.638 (dbl)
Main sources: Brazil and Sri Lanka
Treatment: Heat, color may fade slightly in direct light

With a Mohs hardness of 8, Topaz is a considerably hard gemstone, but it can be cracked with a single sharp blow, this is the trait that it shares with diamond. Therefore it should be protected from hard knocks. It can be cleaned with mild dish soap using a toothbrush. This beautiful yellow gemstone is worth keeping.