Topaz is a fluorine aluminium silicate and comes in yellow, yellow-brown, honey-yellow, flax, brown, green, blue, light blue, red and pink and sometimes it has no color at all. It is the stone of the month November.
The topaz has been known for at least 2000 years and is one of the gemstones which form the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of the New Jerusalem. These ‘apocalyptic stones’ are intended to serve in protection against enemies and as a symbol of beauty and splendor. The Greek name ‘topazos’ means ‘green gemstone’. The Romans dedicated the topaz to Jupiter.
The color in which the topaz is most commonly found is yellow. In mysticism, the topaz is attributed with a cooling and appetizing effect. It is said to dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink so as to warn its wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death.
It is reputed to make men handsome and intelligent and sterile women fertile and happy. In ancient times it was believed that topaz helps to improve eyesight. The Greeks trusted topaz’s supernatural power to increase strength in times of emergency. Its mystical curative powers changed with the phases of the moon. It was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages.
The Egyptians believed that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty Sun God Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, their God of the Sun.
In the Empire style, the topaz was still widespread, but then the more reasonably priced citrine took over from it and even usurped its name – gold topaz. Since then, the topaz has been a rather exotic figure in the jewellery trade and it is still waiting for its well deserved comeback to this day.
Azotic Topaz is an Orange-pink Topaz with a rainbow-like color effect. It is synthetically colored by a thin metallic film deposited over the top of the gemstone. Azotic Topaz is named by the company that introduced this.