Our Gems

Topaz

History and Folklore

The name Topaz probably came from the island of Tapazos located in the Red Sea. However, one of the earliest known sources was that of Schneckenstein near Aderbach in Saxon Voigtland, Germany. Even though the topaz we know today was probably not mined on this island, the word topaz began to describe all light yellow stones found in ancient times. According to the Egyptians, they believed that topaz was given its glowing golden color by the sun god. Topaz is believed to possess a cooling and calming effect as well as the ability to dispel sadness. In Brazil, miners began to discover topaz with overtones of red and pink. These stones began to appear in the jewelry of the czars of Russia during the 18th and 19th century, earning its name Imperial Topaz.

Facts and Information

Along with citrine, precious Topaz (yellow to gold) is considered a birthstone for November. Natural blue topaz is available but extremely rare. Topaz comes in many shades of blue as well as white, champagne, yellow, pink and golden colors. Most of the orange to golden color topaz comes from the mining region Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sometimes referred to as imperial topaz, are the topaz with overtones of red and pink. These are very rare and valuable. For many years, all yellow and golden brown stones were called topaz. Since the yellow quartz (citrine) was sometimes falsely called “citrine topaz” or “quartz topaz” the term precious topaz came about to clearly distinguish them.

Gemstone Identification and Characteristics

  • R.I.: 1.619 - 1.627 (+.01, -.01)
  • Hardness: 8
  • S.G.: 3.53 (+.04, -.04)


Cleaning Methods

  • Safe in warm, soapy water
  • Never put in ultrasonic
  • Never put in steamer

Major Sources

  • Africa
  • Brazil