For the Egyptians topaz was a very powerful amulet against
harm, because they believed that topaz was a gemstone colored with the golden
glow of the mighty sun god Ra.
The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun.
Legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight.
The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make
its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color
in the presence of poisoned food or drink. It was said to cure insomnia,
asthma, and hemorrhages.
Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and
all the beautiful warm browns and oranges inbetween. Some rare and exceptional
topaz are pale pink to a sherry red.
The
most famous topaz is a giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the
Braganza. There is also a beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden,
one of the world's important gem collections.
Color
Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri
Lanka. Pink topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia. Today we also have blue topaz,
which has a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation. Pale topaz which
is enhanced to become blue is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China.
In early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its appearance, the
surface-enhanced topaz, with colours described as blue to greenish-blue or
emerald green. Blue topaz has become a popular alternative in recent years for
those who prefer faceted stones. |
Topaz - Main Characteristics
| Classification |
Mineral |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) |
8 |
| Molecular formula |
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
| Composition |
Neseosilicate. |
| Crystal Shape |
Hexagonal. |
| Color/Spectrum |
Broad gamma. |
| Atomic (Crystal )Structure
|
Basal |
| Index of Refraction |
1.6 |
| Density (Relative) |
2.64 - 2.65 |
| Light interaction |
Vitreous |
| Uses |
Jewelry, ornamental, decorative. |
Topaz Jewelry Collection
| BlueStarJewelry is pleased to present
Topaz Jewelry in classic and modern styles: topaz earrings, rings,
necklaces and pendants. |
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