Know about November Birthstone Topaz | Imperial Topaz London | Blue Topaz

Introduction of Topaz as Birthstone

The name Topaz is derived from Topazio on the name of small island in Red Sea.

In Sanskrit, it was called as Tapas or Topas which means fire.
Topaz is the traditional November birthstone.

Topaz Birthstone Meaning and History

• During the Renaissance era in Europe, it was believed topaz could break magic spells and suppress anger.
• In Hindus, it is regarded as a sacred stone associated with wisdom and longevity of life, beauty and intelligence.
• African priests regarded topaz as sacred stone having healing powers using it their healing rituals.
• Ancient Greeks believe in the strengthening powers of topaz.
• The Ural Mountains of Russia are the major sources of topaz, and a recent variant pinkish stone is being mined there named as imperial topaz and is crowned and honoured by Russian kings.

Topaz Stone Properties / Chemical / Technical Properties of Topaz Gemstone

Where Topaz stones is found? Give some details of countries and locations?

1. Brazil, in Itinga and Virgem da Lapa in Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais.
2. Russia, in Ural Mountains.
3. Sri Lanka, in Matale, Balangoda, Sjgiriya.
4. Nigeria, in Jenta, Akwanga in Nasarawa State and Jos Plateau Region.
5. Unites States, in San Diego County, California, Thomas Mountain Range of Utah, Pikes Peak, Colorado, Llano Uplift Region of Texas.
6. Pakistan, in Katlang, Mardan District and Gilgit Baltistan.
7. Mexico, in Oujela Mine in Durango.
8. Austraila, in Carins Region in Queensland.

How Topaz Stone get its colors? What are other colors of topaz stones?

• Topaz occurs in a wide variety of colours however, the natural variants occur in colourless form.
• Highly esteemed and chehrished are red and pink, received from minute amount of chromium.
• Topaz is allochromatic i.e. it gets its colour from the impurities and elements in the crystal structure.
• Major element responsible for the colour of topaz is chromium and causes natural pink, red, violet – to- pink.
• Impurities and intersitial as well as structural imperfections at atomic level produces yellow, brown and blue colour.
• The gem has a variant called smoky topaz having brown colour.
• Another variant known as imperial topaz is highly regarded one beacuse of orange to orange – red colour.
• The natural blue topaz is very rare.
• Azotic topaz is a orange – pink topaz having rainbow like effect.
• Rutilated topaz, another variant, is a yellow needle like inclusion of mineral limonite.
• Swiss Blue topaz has a sky blue colour.

What are Geological and Geographic Occurrences of Topaz?

The chemical formula of topaz is Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)2, fluorine being the limiting element in its structure.
Topaz occurs in the

1.  Igneous rocks, cavities of pegmatite and intergranular spaces of rhyolite.
2.  In steam sediments and mines.

1. Magmatic formation in igneous rocks and certain volcanic rocks.
2. Hydrothermal formation by hydrothermal fluids containing elements like aluminium, silicon and fluorine.
3. Metamorphic formation under extreme heat and pressure.

Topaz price guidelines . Value of Topaz Stone

• High quality topaz under 1 carat costs betwen $7 to $18 per carat.
• 1 – 2 carat stones cost between $15 to $25 per carat.
• Larger stones cost $25 + per carat.
• Imperial topaz costs between $100 to $1000 per carat.
• The value range of topaaz depends on hues, tones and saturation.
• Higher the saturation and darker tone cost high per carat.
• Prices of topaz on basis of colour and variants are 

1. Swiss Blue Topaz = $7 to $20 per carat.
2. London Blue Topaz = $10 to $25 per carat.
3. Golden Yellow Imperial Topaz =  $70 to $250 per carat.
4. Pink Topaz = $200 to $500 per carat.
5. Blue Topaz Cabochons = $5 to $25 per carat.

Topaz  CARE & CLEANING

• Topaz rates 8 hardness on Mohns Hardness Scale.
• It is sensitive to high heat and sudden temperature changes.
• However, the colour of the stone is relatively stable to light, but in the presence of intense  light the colour fades to yellow brown, reddish brown and dark brown.
• Chemicals may have a slight effect on topaz.
• While cleaning topaz, steam and ultrasound waves must be avoided.
• The best to use is warm soapy water with a mild detergent or non abrasive jewellery cleanser.

Traditional meaning and myths about Topaz Stone / Healing Properties of Topaz

• Traditionally it is believed that topaz possess the power of sun.
• In Egyptian tradition, it symbolizes the Sun God.
• Ancient Egyptians believed it as the powerful stone.
• Hindus have a belief that the stone has protective abilities and that could protect from burning and also protects health and beauty.
• African priests considered it as a sacred gemstone having healing powers.
• Greeks and Romans believed in the strengthening powers of topaz.
• Europeans also regarded it as the God of the Sun.
• In ancient era, people beleive topaz can decrease inflammation, swelling and heals eyesight.
• Topaz has been linked to moon and it was a common belief that healing power and colour intensity vairies with the lunar phases.
• Topaz is also associated with good fortune and love.

 Topaz Stone in Jewelry?

Topaz is a gifted and versatile gemstone used in the jewellery.

Its is used in:

1. Rings as the center stone or accent stone usually with blue variant.
2. Necklace and Pendants with the intricate designs.
3. Earrings from simple designs to the intricate elaborated chandelier designs.
4. Bracelets such as tennis bracelets.
5. Multi Gemstone Jewellery paired with other gemstones such as amethyst, citrine, peridot producing variety of designs.
6. Birthstone jewellery including rings, necklace, bracelets.
7. Custom designs according to individual preferences.
8. Statement Jewellery like cock tail rings, bold necklaces and bracelets using large sized stones.