All about topaz

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

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

There is a lot of controversy as to where the name of this mineral came from. More and more 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 carried out on that very island, but, alas, no topaz has been found there. Hence it follows 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, which includes 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, it can generally become blue.

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

By its density (3.49-3.57 g / cubic cm) topaz is one of the densest stones, it can be inferior only to a diamond... Based on this, it should be concluded that it is not so easy to destroy this mineral. It also does not lend itself to acids, decomposes only from the phosphoric salt. Can dissolve in nitric acid when 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 few deposits of this natural mineral - it can be found almost anywhere in the world. Many natural stones are often found in natural conditions. They are usually large in size and can weigh several tens of kilograms.

Thanks to topaz, the famous Ilmen mountains in the Urals became famous, because it was there that at the end of the twentieth century a record amount of this precious mineral was found. The extraction was carried out in tons.

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

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

But the most "fertile" country in terms of the extraction of topaz to this day is Brazil. Crystals of all kinds of colors and sizes are found in mining mines. It is worth noting that in its pure (untreated) form, the stone hardly shines, 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. Let's consider each type separately.

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

Blue (blue) topaz - truly a royal stone... Such a mineral is found in natural conditions and is 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 retain their youth for a long time.
• London blue - has a dark blue tint, and the deeper the color, the more it will cost.But, unfortunately, it is very rare to get such topaz in natural conditions. Therefore, to achieve this specific shade, colorless stones are irradiated. Further, the resulting dark color is already lightened by heat treatment. It is important not to immediately release stones for sale after irradiation, but to store them in special conditions to reduce radiation exposure.

Yellow topaz has a pleasant golden honey hue. A 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 goes from yellow to blue.

Pink is one of the rarest topaz found in the world. 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. It will not be possible to create such a red-pink hue even with the use of radiation and heat treatment.

Green topaz also has a fairly high value.... This stone got its color due to the content of silicate in it and the effect of 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, they are a little unclear. This means that if you see a green shining topaz, then, most likely, this is its artificial "relative".

Mystic topaz is a magic stone that shimmers with all kinds of colors and shades: blue, green, purple. Under natural conditions, such a crystal does not exist. The variety of iridescent overflows is created using a special dose of radiation. Then 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 its smoky hue, it was ranked as one of the types of topaz. The name quickly caught on both among ordinary people and in commercial activities. Of course, such a stone has no special value. However, this 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 irreplaceable attributes of magicians and sorcerers.

Considering the ancient origin of topaz, a large number of magical properties, both magical and medicinal, were attributed to it. It is hardly worth taking them with complete seriousness, but the fact that each stone has some specific properties cannot be denied.

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

Blue topaz is able to identify poisoned drinks - if they contain toxic substances, then the stone changes color... Also, this crystal helps active and successful people, sharpens their feelings, encourages them to achieve their goals, 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 exactly blue topaz revives honesty in a person, helps to resolve difficult situations, to get to the bottom of the truth... It was believed among sailors that blue topaz was able to pacify a storm at sea.

With regard to its medicinal properties, it is said that wearing blue topaz can get rid of migraines.

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

Among the useful properties, it stands out for its ability to activate the regenerating function, that is, it can stimulate wound healing processes.

Green topaz takes away all the negativity from the owner, and also helps to cope with bouts of unreasonable anxiety and anxiety. It is recommended to purchase such a stone for people who often have bad thoughts. But so that he does not accumulate negative in himself, in order to purify and remove all negative energy, you need to lower it into clean water and hold it 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 awaken 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 self-confidence.

Colorless topaz symbolizes purity and innocence. As a rule, jewelry and amulets with such topaz will suit indecisive and insecure people, they can add courage and encourage them to do some good deed.

A smoky stone (rauchtopaz) is able to enter into a state of meditation, but especially impressionable individuals should not use it, as 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 ahead of you, wear some kind of jewelry with rauchtopaz as a safety net, 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 the chakras and connect with cosmic bodies.

The black mineral improves its wearer's intuitive abilities and also helps to convince other people of his ideas.

Of course, one of the most common is the use of topaz in jewelry making. This mineral will easily decorate a ring, pendant or earrings and will be a perfect complement to an 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 benefit to women, helping them to preserve 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 into it, it will help alleviate 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.

There is a lot of information that Topaz increases and activates the work of taste buds, so they used to decorate dishes with it, thereby stimulating its owner's appetite. The stone even helped to cope with anorexia. Depending on the color, topaz has certain properties. For example, golden topaz has a regenerating function and promotes faster wound healing. Blue is able to relieve migraines.

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

So, as for the topaz, 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 have noticed that their character is very difficult, these people are quite emotional, their mood often changes. This is especially clearly manifested at a young age, when the process of personality formation is taking 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 to pacify the temper, refresh the head and extinguish the emotional outburst.

But it is also necessary to understand that all of the above will only work if you have real topaz. Fake stones won't do you any good. 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 topaz (especially blue and blue shades) will help with this.

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

Leos are strong personalities who are used to controlling everything.... Many precious stones are suitable for people of this zodiac sign, but it is better to give preference to topaz of purple and blue color. They will only complement the image of a confident and self-sufficient person, making her even more dominant and decisive.

Capricorns are those people who should think carefully before choosing jewelry with topaz, as this mineral is able to "reveal" their weak points.... In general, astrologers recommend Capricorns to think about purchasing topaz in case of a series of failures in life. Also, the mineral relieves a person of unnecessary thoughts and experiences.

Sagittarius, topaz will help protect against the 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, for a Sagittarius woman wearing jewelry with topaz, he will give confidence in his abilities and help bring the work started to the end. It is preferable to choose products with blue shades of stones.

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

For Cancers Topaz is not a primary stone, but of the many minerals, blue topaz is the preferred choice. This stone will help to awaken the hidden talents of a person and improve his relationships with loved ones, especially with children.

Aries by nature, rather impulsive individuals who are not used to sitting still. In this case, topaz will only enhance these qualities, preventing them from quitting what they have begun. In addition, the Aries mineral will help reveal positive thinking and win over people around you. Astrologers recommend representatives of this zodiac sign to opt for pink minerals.

Aquarians can choose stones of golden color.The magical properties of topaz will help a woman become a real hearth keeper and improve family relationships. The mineral promotes the disclosure of inner peace, which is not particularly characteristic of Aquarius.

For the rest of the zodiac signs, topaz can be chosen in combination with other stones that patronize each of them. Taurus should not wear it too often, as they may develop negative emotions that will be difficult to control. Weights of products with topaz can be combined with yachons.

In general, topaz is universal stonethat suits almost all zodiac signs. However, when choosing any stone, its characteristics and features should be taken into account. Also, an important role is played by 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 as a gift.However, nowadays there are more and more scammers who shamelessly try 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 that will help you figure out where the real stone is, and where is its pathetic copy.

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

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

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

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

These are simple rules for caring for topaz, if you follow them, your stone will always look flawless. If, nevertheless, you did not know about them and your stones have lost their former appearance, there are several more simple ways by which the stone can be returned to its original beauty.

To clean topaz, you need regular toothpaste or a weak vinegar solution (6-8 drops of wine vinegar per 200-250 ml of water). However, not everyone approves of the use of the paste. With its microparticles, it is capable of scratching the rim of the stone, moreover, it is poorly washed out of the rims.

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

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

Proper storage of topaz plays an important role. 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 designated place in the box for each gemstone. If this rule is not followed, the minerals begin to fade much faster.

And in conclusion, I would like to say that topaz is undoubtedly a rather unusual stone. It has interesting properties and needs careful maintenance. And yet, despite all this, becoming the owner of this amazing mineral, you will be irresistible, it will give you peace of mind and good luck.

For an interesting video review of topaz, see the video below.