Topaz Stone

History of Topaz Stone

Topaz stone is a precious crystal known since antiquity. It is mentioned by authors such as Pliny the Elder as well as in the Bible. It was then associated with Saint Matthew who was given Topaz to illuminate the darkened hearts of his community.

Topaz was quickly associated protective powers and virtues. It was termed the ‘golden stone’ during antiquity, as it was supposed to assist in the prospecting of gold. The Egyptians, who greatly appreciated the stone for its lustre, used it for amulets. Romans and Greeks, on the other hand, used it to increase their strength and attributed it invisibility powers.

This property stems from a legend that dates from the 7th century BC. Gyges, then king of Lydia in Asia Minor, found a magic ring on the flanks of a brass horse. On one side of this ring was the image of a sun engraved on topaz. On the other, the image of a moon engraved on emerald. This magic ring contained words that, once spoken aloud, could make one invisible. Gyges used the magic properties of the ring to kill his friend in order to steal his wife and make her his mistress. He would have used this ring on many other occasions. But the ring disappeared and since then, has never been found.

In the Middle Ages, topaz was used to treat vision problems. Worn as a jewel by Pope Clement VI, who sported a topaz ring, it is also said to have cured the plagued in 1348.

It was not only in Europe that topaz was used for its many virtues. Indian doctors used it to tonify the heart and improve the blood circulation of their patients. The Chinese, on the other hand, hung it in their homes to radiate energy and good health.

Origin and Composition of Topaz Stone

The origins of the name of this beautiful crystal remain unclear. Some authors attribute its origins to the Sanskrit word ‘tapaz’ meaning ‘fire.’ Others believe that the name ‘topaz’ comes from the Greek island Topazos, now Zabargad.

For a long time, it was common to designate the majority of yellow stones as ‘topaz’. It was only from Anselme Boèce de Boot’s description of this crystal in 1609 that the name topaz referred to the gem we know today.

Topaz Varieties

Topaz comes in many colours: yellow, blue, pink, white, red, purple, green and colourless (the most common variety). Topaz’s pigmentation can be changed treating it. This treatment may consist of ion diffusion on the surface of the crystal or by irradiation. It is also possible to change the pigmentation by heating the topaz or using the coating method. Natural topaz is more highly valued than topaz which has been treated.

Blue topaz is the variety the most used by jewellers. It remains rare in its natural state and is often obtained through treatment for its blue pigmentation. Often light blue, or sky blue, vibrant blue topazes, such as the Swiss Blue, are typically colourless topazes subjected to radiation and heat treatments. The London Blue topaz, meanwhile, refers to dark blue topaz. In its natural state, this crystal is extracted from deposits located in Sri Lanka, China and Nigeria. This precious crystal is considered the most beautiful among topaz varieties.

• Precious topaz refers to yellow, pink, orange or red topaz.
• Imperial topaz originated in 19th century Russia. Named in honour of the Tsar of Russia, it was found in vast quantities in the Ural Mountains. It has bright hues ranging from intense gold to orange red.
• Cherry topaz is a red topaz.
• White topaz refers to a colourless topaz with white hues.
• Fire topaz is a multicoloured, rather orange topaz, obtained by coating.
• Finally, mystical topaz, also called rainbow topaz refers to a topaz that has become multicoloured via coating treatment.

Topaz deposits exist in several parts of the globe: Asia, Africa, the United States, Eurasia, South America. However, Brazil is home to the largest topaz deposit (particularly of imperial), in the state of Minas Gerais. The most famous topaz, the Braganza, was found in a Brazilian mine in the Ouro Preto region in 1640. Weighing nearly 1689 carats, this topaz is set in the Portuguese Crown.

You can admire blue topazes from Brazil in the British Museum in London and the Natural History Museum in Chicago. These Brazilian crystals weigh 614 and 5890 carats respectively. The Fersman Museum in Moscow has a blue-green topaz that weighs more than 32 kilograms. The largest crystal specimens are on display at the Smithsonian Institution. The largest gem in the collection weighs 7725 carats.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Topaz Stone

Topaz has many virtues, both psychologically and physically.

Topaz Stone’s Psychological Benefits

• Topaz’s colour determines its properties.
• Blue topaz facilitates dialogue, communication and listening to others. It contributes to the creation of friendships. You can wear the crystal as a jewel or directly at your solar plexus chakra to alleviate anxiety and nervousness. If you suffer from insomnia, it is recommended that you place topaz on the frontal chakra. Be careful not to confuse topaz with aquamarine which, although possesses similar properties, proves more powerful and indeed more expensive.
• Imperial topaz allows spiritual and physical recharge. In this regard, it acts as a battery. It provides self-confidence and optimism. With new-found confidence, you will have faith in yourself and your abilities. It also increases your charisma and allows you to surround yourself with the right people.
• White topaz is perfect for those who may have frequent headaches. It also aids with concentration and clarifies ideas. It directly affects the well-being of the person by removing uncertainties and doubts.
• Pink topaz symbolises hope. It stimulates both the intellect and the spirit, and paves the way for good health.
• In general, topaz is a love and luck crystal. It brings joy and health to all those who wear it. Gentle, it promotes communication and relationships with others. It is also perfect for increasing intellectual abilities.

Topaz Stone’s Physical Benefits

• Topaz has been used since the Middle Ages to alleviate vision impairments. As such, Saint Hildegarde of Binger recommended drinking a topaz elixir to correct visual weaknesses. It also has a beneficial effect on hearing.
• Energising, it promotes blood circulation and cardiovascular exchanges. It also has particularly beneficial effects on certain organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, gallbladder and endocrine gland. Green topaz is the most effective on the liver. Placed at the solar plexus, it strengthens it and aids in the regeneration of cellular structures.
• In particular, it restores the sense of taste and contributes to a better assimilation of nutrients. A crystal of well-being, it aids digestion and stimulates metabolism. Calming, it promotes deep and restful sleep.
• Extremely versatile, topaz energises the body and soothes the mind.