Brazil imperial topaz pendant with 925 silver loop

It is said that the name of this incredible stone comes from the island of Zabargad, located in the Red Sea and formerly called Topazos. On this famous island, there were a multitude of minerals to which the name topaz was often mistakenly attributed.

It was not until the 17th century that the name topaz was clearly attributed to this famous mineral. Another story concerning the etymology of the name topaz comes from the Sanskrit "tupas" meaning fire. It was Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt (1550 - 1632), a Flemish humanist, both physician and mineralogist, who named this hydrated aluminum fluosilicate mineral topaz.

Thus, many topazes mentioned in earlier texts may, in fact, be citrines, peridots, or yellow sapphires. When Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) mentions a green topaz, it may be chrysolite.

In ancient Egypt, imperial topaz symbolized the sun, the god Ra, and power. The Greeks and Romans believed it increased their courage for battle. Moreover, it was also reputed to heal malaise, improve fertility, and neutralize poisons.

In the Middle Ages, this stone was thought to be capable of attracting gold and facilitating searches. This applies particularly to yellow imperial topaz.

Among Native Americans, imperial topaz develops artistic senses and multiplies heroic acts. In China, it is hung in homes because it provides power and good health. In Japan, it is said to solve many fertility-related problems.

The Tsars of Russia took control of all production from the Russian topaz mines. Thus, they decided to complete its name with imperial topaz. Other European kings wore topazes of many colors. This was the case for Premysl Ottokar of Bohemia (1230-1278), King of Austria.

Nowadays, this fabulous stone is used in jewelry. Indeed, it has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which is a very high hardness prized by jewelers in the making of their jewelry. For comparison, the highest hardness is 10 on the same scale, which is the hardness of diamond.

Topaz is a mineral from the silicate family, of magmatic formation. Its crystalline system is orthorhombic, it has a vitreous luster and can be transparent to translucent. It is generally golden in color, however, its shades differ according to its particular chemical composition, especially when part of the aluminum is replaced by iron, cobalt, or chromium.

It exhibits strong pleochroism (change in the color of a crystal when oriented to light). It varies according to the colors of the imperial topaz: it is very distinct in yellow topazes, weak for blue ones, and strong for pink ones. In summary, topaz has colors ranging from golden to violet, passing through green, blue, or pink. These color changes are due to the varying presence of phosphorus.

The main deposits are located in Brazil, Russia, and Zambia.

An energizing stone providing energy, imperial topaz brings warmth and cheerfulness to its wearer. It is often linked to enthusiasm, courage, and passion. It gives the ability to bounce back after a failure and overcome life's difficulties. In fact, it generates powerful and positive constructive forces.

It radiates impressive energy and vitality. Shy and anxious people regain self-assurance, self-confidence, and even charisma. They learn to have self-esteem. More serene, they can undertake projects, set goals, and do everything to achieve them.

Imperial topaz is an excellent stone for students and people in training, as it provides the motivation and energy necessary to achieve their goals. It offers lucidity and clarity during important decision-making.

A stone of openness to others, it encourages overly shy people to reach out to others. It develops compassion and empathy. It allows its wearer to show genuine interest in their interlocutor, to give advice, and then it eventually becomes indispensable. Its wearer radiates, sharing their joy and good humor with those around them.