All about topazes

At present, perhaps, there is not a single person who would be indifferent to gems. They always attracted with their beauty, were considered a sign of prosperity. Among the variety of precious minerals, anyone can find a specimen that he liked, which will be unique in its own way. In this article, we will dwell on topaz, consider its interesting properties, features of proper care for it, and much more.

Topaz is a semiprecious stone known to people since ancient times. During archaeological excavations, many different ornaments and ritual objects were discovered that were made using this amazing mineral. There is evidence that topaz was in special demand during the Renaissance.

There is much debate about where the name of this mineral came from. Increasing preference is given to the version that it got its name from the island of Topazios (in the modern world known as Zeberget), located in the Red Sea. Although at present excavations have been made on that very island, but, alas, no topazes were found there. It follows the conclusion that the true origin of this name has not yet been established.

Topaz belongs to the group of aluminum silicates. It has a rather complex chemical structure, including aluminum oxide, fluorine, silicon dioxide and water (there may also be minor inclusions of iron, chromium and titanium).

Another of the physical properties of this stone is the ability to change color under the influence of sunlight - it becomes colorless. However, when exposed to radioactive waves, it can acquire a yellow or orange color, and when heated, in general, turn blue.

One of the main advantages of the mineral is its incredible hardness and strength (Mohs score of 8 points). Its melting point reaches 1000 degrees.

According to its density (3.49-3.57 g / cc) topaz is one of the most dense stones, it can only yield to diamond. Based on this, it should be concluded that it is not so easy to destroy this mineral. Also, it is not susceptible to acids, decomposes only from phosphoric salt. It can dissolve in nitric acid if mixed with calcium carbonate.

However, for all its “inviolability” topaz does not tolerate strong sharp blows. From them, he is able to split into small fragments. This is due to good basal cleavage.

There are quite a lot of deposits of this natural mineral - it can be found practically anywhere in the world. Under natural conditions, many natural stones are often found. They are usually large in size and can weigh several tens of kilograms.

Thanks to topaz, the famous Ilmensky Mountains in the Urals became famous, because it was there that at the end of the 20th century a record amount of this precious mineral was found. Extraction was carried out in tons.

Currently This natural stone is found in such countries as Germany, Sri Lanka, Norway, Australia, Afghanistan, Madagascar.

Ukraine is also rich in deposits of these precious stones. On its territory, topazes of almost all color shades are mined. It was in this country that the largest gem was discovered, which reached 117 kg in weight.

But to this day Brazil remains the most “fertile” country in terms of topaz mining. Crystals of various colors and sizes are found in mining mines. It is worth noting that in a pure (unprocessed) form, the stone almost does not shine, but after processing it becomes lighter and acquires an amazing shine.

In addition to natural deposits, you can try to grow these minerals in artificial conditions.. This will require special combination aqueous solutions and a temperature regime of more than 600 degrees Celsius. But such minerals will have no value.

Topaz comes in a wide variety of colors and shades. In nature, most often you can find minerals in yellow tones. But you can find both bluish and pink stones. Consider each view separately.

White (colorless) topaz refers to one of the most common species. As a rule, it is he who is the fundamental element in the creation of other types of colored stones. But such products will cost several times less, since they were not created by nature itself, but by man.

Blue (blue) topaz - truly a royal stone. Such a mineral is found in natural conditions, and created by human hands. There are several commercial names for this type of topaz.

• Sky blue - a stone of light azure-blue color, the most affordable.
• Swiss blue - a dark blue stone. There is a belief that the owners of such a mineral for a long time remain youthful.
• London blue - has a dark blue hue, and the deeper the color, the more it will cost.But, unfortunately, in vivo to get such a topaz is a rarity. Therefore, to achieve this specific shade, colorless stones are irradiated. Further, the resulting dark color is already clarified by heat treatment. It is important that, after irradiation, stones are not immediately sold, but stored under special conditions to reduce radiation exposure.

Yellow topaz has a pleasant golden honey hue. Relatively inexpensive stone. It is especially common in India, because it was there that they first learned about its medicinal properties. There are many shades of this mineral - from brownish yellow to greenish. But the most valuable are stones, the color of which changes from yellow to blue.

Pink is one of the most rare topazes. This type of stone is considered very valuable, as it has an unusual pink tint, which is quite rare in natural conditions.

As for the attempts to try to achieve such an amazing color with the help of human hands, they, alas, are in vain. To create such a red-pink tint will not work even when using radiation and heat treatment.

Green topaz also has a fairly high value.. This stone got its color due to its silicate content and exposure to natural radiation. In ancient times, they even adorned the crowns of rulers. Real green crystals do not shine very brightly and shimmer, rather, on the contrary, a little unclear. So, if you see a green radiant topaz, then, most likely, this is his artificial "relative".

Mystic topaz is a magic stone shimmering with all kinds of colors and shades: blue, green, purple. Under natural conditions, such a crystal does not exist. A variety of rainbow overflows is created using a special dose of radiation. Next, the mineral is covered with a small layer of gold or titanium. And yet, despite the artificial origin, he found his admirers, especially among magicians and fortune-tellers.

Rauchtopaz (smoky) is not topaz, but just one of the varieties of quartz. Due to the smoky shade, he was ranked as one of the types of topaz. The name quickly took root among ordinary people, and in commercial activities. Of course, such a stone has no special value. However, it is not a hindrance to use it to decorate inexpensive jewelry.

Black topaz is one of the rarest species. It is believed that this is one of the indispensable attributes of magicians and sorcerers.

Given the ancient origin of topazes, he attributed a large number of magical properties, both magical and healing. It is hardly worth treating them with complete seriousness, however, it is not worth denying that every stone has some specific properties.

Based on esoteric knowledge, the characteristics of topaz depend on the color or shade it possesses.

Blue topaz is able to identify poisoned drinks - if poisonous substances are present in them, then the stone changes color. Also, this crystal helps active and successful people, aggravates their feelings, encourages them to achieve their goals, and helps to establish difficult relationships. However, it can work in the opposite direction, provoking quarrels if the stone is incompatible with its owner.

It is also known that blue topaz revives honesty in a person, helps to solve difficult situations, to get to the bottom of the truth. Among sailors, there was a belief that blue topaz was able to pacify a storm in the sea.

As for the healing properties, they say that wearing blue topaz can get rid of migraines.

Yellow topaz has a shade of gold, which means it attracts money, symbolizing thereby wealth and success. It follows from this that people who want to improve their financial situation can buy jewelry with this stone. It also helps to recognize lies.

Among the useful properties, its ability to activate the regenerative function stands out, that is, it can stimulate the healing processes of wounds.

Green topaz takes over all the negativity from the owner, and also helps to cope with attacks of causeless anxiety and anxiety. It is recommended to purchase such a stone for people who are often overcome with bad thoughts. But so that he does not accumulate negativity in himself, to cleanse and remove all negative energy, you need to lower it in clean water and hold there for about a day.

Pink is the color of tenderness, which means that such a stone is especially suitable for women who want to arouse a romantic mood in themselves and become even more attractive to their man. In general, one of the main purposes of this mineral is to create a protective aura and belief in oneself.

Colorless topaz symbolizes purity and innocence. As a rule, jewelry and amulets with such topazes are suitable for indecisive and insecure people, they can add courage and move to some kind of good deed.

Smoky stone (rauchtopaz) is able to enter into a state of meditation, but especially impressionable individuals should not use it, since they can completely disconnect from reality. This kind of crystal can calm the angry disposition of its owner or his interlocutor. If you know that you have an unpleasant conversation, for safety, put on some kind of jewelry with a rachtopaz or just take it with you, putting it in your pocket.

Topaz mystic has magical properties and is used by yogis and psychics to open chakras and connect with cosmic bodies.

Black mineral improves the intuitive abilities of its owner, and also helps to convince other people of their ideas.

Of course, one of the most common is the use of topaz in the manufacture of jewelry. This mineral can easily decorate a ring, pendant or earrings and will be a great complement to the image in combination with other precious stones.

There are also many other uses for topaz.. In ancient times, for example, it was believed that this stone was able to help with conception even in previously infertile women. He brought benefits to women, helping them to maintain their beauty and youth.

As for the medicinal properties, there is an opinion that If you wear a silver jewelry around your neck with topaz inserted in it, it will help to ease the course of diseases associated with the respiratory system and will help to cope with insomnia. It was also believed that it helps to cope with problems in the spine, protects the body from colds and improves immunity.

A lot of information that Topaz enhances and activates the work of taste buds, so they used to decorate dishes, thereby stimulating the appetite of its owner. The stone helped to cope even with anorexia. Depending on the color, topaz has certain properties. For example, golden topaz has a regenerative function and contributes to the faster healing of wounds. Blue is able to relieve migraines.

Any person has his own zodiac sign, and each of them imposes on him certain qualities of character and personality traits. Therefore, when choosing jewelry, it is worth taking into account your astrological data and choosing exactly those stones that will suit you specifically.

So, as for topazes, this is perhaps one of the most versatile stones that can be worn by almost all zodiac signs, however, astrologers claim that most of all this mineral suitable for scorpions. Probably, many noticed that their character is very complicated, these people are quite emotional, their mood often changes. This is especially clearly manifested at a young age, when the process of personality formation takes place, and it is still difficult for a person to control his emotions. In such cases, blue topaz can become a lifesaver. It will help pacify the temper, refresh your head and extinguish an emotional outburst.

But you also need to understand that all of the above will work only if you have real topaz. Fake stones will not bring you any result. However, even if you purchase the original, you should not rely on the fact that he will do everything for you. It is better to look inside yourself and try to bring your thoughts and emotions to inner harmony. And topazes (especially blue and blue shades) will help with this.

Gemini can be recommended to wear yellow topaz jewelry. Golden topaz will help representatives of this zodiac sign solve financial problems and improve financial well-being. Especially emotional natures, this stone will help to put thoughts in order and calm down.

Lions are powerful personalities who are used to controlling everything.. Many gemstones are suitable for people of this zodiac sign, but it is better to give preference to topazes of violet and blue color. They only complement the image of a confident and self-sufficient personality, making it even more dominant and decisive.

Capricorns are those people who should think carefully before choosing jewelry with topaz, since this mineral is able to “expose” their weaknesses.. In general, astrologers recommend that Capricorns think about acquiring topazes in the event of a series of setbacks in life. Also, a mineral relieves a person of unnecessary thoughts and feelings.

Topaz will help Sagittarius in protection against evil eye and damage. For the fair sex, who are prone to rash actions, the mineral will help get rid of making wrong decisions. Also, a woman Sagittarius, wearing jewelry with topaz, he will give confidence in his abilities and will help to complete the work begun. It is preferable to choose products with stones in blue shades.

It is especially recommended that people buy this mineral. born under the zodiac sign Virgo, since for them it is practically a talisman - it is able to protect against the harmful effects of envious people, it helps to remain calm in any situations. It is believed that a worn bracelet or pendant with golden or gray topaz will help from the evil eye.

For crayfish topaz is not the primary stone, but of the many minerals it is better to give preference to blue topaz. This stone will help to awaken a person’s hidden talents and build their relationships with loved ones, especially with children.

Aries by their nature, they are rather impulsive personalities who are not used to sitting still. In this case, topaz will only strengthen these qualities, not allowing them to quit the business they have begun. In addition, the Aries mineral will help to reveal positive thinking and win people around. Representatives of this zodiac sign astrologers recommend choosing pink minerals.

Aquarius can choose stones of golden color.The magical properties of topaz will help a woman become a real keeper of the hearth and establish relationships in the family. The mineral contributes to the disclosure of inner calm, which is not particularly characteristic of Aquarius.

The remaining signs of the zodiac topaz can be chosen in combination with other stones, patronizing each of them. Taurus should not wear it too often, as they may have negative emotions that will be difficult to control. Weights with topazes can be combined with yachts.

In general, topaz is universal stonethat fits almost all zodiac signs. However, when choosing any stone, it is worth considering its characteristics and features. Also important is the goal that you pursue when choosing this stone.

Perhaps every woman would be pleased to receive a piece of jewelry with such a precious stone as topaz. However, now there are more and more scammers who, without a twinge of conscience, are trying to sell fakes, passing them off as originals. In order not to fall for the trick of cunning swindlers, You need to know a few simple rules to help you figure out where the real stone is, and where is its pathetic copy.

1. Try rubbing the stone against the woolen fabric. Natural topaz will begin to become electrified; small fibers or hair may begin to stick to it. If this does not happen, then most likely you are dealing with a fake.
2. Topaz has poor thermal conductivity, so just grab a stone and hold it a little in your hand. If it heats up quickly, then this is a copy. A real mineral does not conduct heat well, so it will heat up longer.
3. Another important point is the color of the stone. Natural minerals rarely have pronounced tones, as a rule, they have softer, muffled shades. Therefore, if you see that a stone of very bright saturated color, most likely, they are trying to deceive you. The exact authenticity of the stone can be revealed only on special jewelry equipment.
4. Among other things, topaz is a fairly hard mineral, it can scratch glass, crystal or quartz. And by itself, it can hardly be damaged by anything, except with a diamond.
5. Also, given the deposits and the features of topaz mining, it is easy to understand that an authentic stone will certainly have small flaws, cracks and will not be completely smooth.
6. Another way to identify the true precious mineral is to use a solution of methylene iodide. If a stone is immersed in a given solution, then it is very easy to determine where the copy is and where the original is. Real topaz in this case does not come up, unlike its artificial counterpart.

Having beautiful expensive jewelry, everyone wants them to always look like new. Of course, any mineral begins to fade over time, lose its original color and luster.

If you are a happy owner of topaz, then you need to know the simple rules for caring for him, under which your jewelry will have an impeccable look.

• Do not expose it to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Chlorinated water and sudden temperature changes should be avoided. High humidity will also not benefit this stone. Therefore, if you are, for example, on the beach, and want to go to plunge into the sea or the pool, then it is better to remove jewelry.
• Try to avoid contact of topaz with various cosmetics and perfumes. In the case when you are going to any celebration, first do makeup, hair, use your favorite perfumes, and only after that you can put on your favorite jewelry.
• Especially dangerous is getting into the mineral of all kinds of chemicals.If you started a general cleaning, you must remove all the rings, bracelets so that they do not come into contact with chemicals. And for your safety, it is better to wear gloves during cleaning. This will save both your jewelry and your pens.

These are simple rules for caring for topaz, following which your stone will always have an impeccable appearance. If, nevertheless, you did not know about them and your stones have lost their former appearance, there are several more simple ways with which you can restore the stone to its original beauty.

To clean topaz, you will need a regular toothpaste or a weak vinegar solution (6-8 drops of wine vinegar in 200-250 ml of water). However, the use of paste is not universally approved. With its microparticles, it is able to scratch the frame of the stone, in addition, it is poorly washed out of the rims.

Sometimes, to clean the stone at home, use a normal soap solution, immersing the product in it for 15-20 minutes and cleaning it with a soft brush or cloth. This will help restore topaz shine. After that, it is well dried and sent to the box.

Only a professional jeweler can restore the true original color to this stone. But this is only possible if the mineral received the color naturally, and it was not artificially imparted by irradiation. When it comes to natural stone, it often happens that it is no longer possible to restore its color.

An important role is played by the proper storage of topaz. It would be more correct to store it separately from other jewelry. In general, according to the recommendations of jewelers, there should be a specially allocated space for each gem in the box. If this rule is not observed, the minerals begin to fade much faster.

And in conclusion, I want to say that topaz is undoubtedly a rather unusual stone. It has interesting properties and needs careful care. And yet, in spite of all this, becoming the owner of this amazing mineral, you will be irresistible, it will give you spiritual harmony and good luck.

An interesting video review about topazes, see the video below.