Nigerian Topaz A (tumbled stone)

Small tumbled topaz stone, 15-25mm. Sold individually.
Shapes and colors may vary from stone to stone.

Topaz is a precious stone used nowadays in the creation of jewelry, but also in lithotherapy because of its many benefits.

The etymology of the name topaz is uncertain. It seems that the name topaz comes from the Greek "topos" and "azos," meaning "desert land." Topazos is the name given to a deserted island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad.

Another explanation suggests an Indian city called "Topaza." The name topaz is said to derive from the Sanskrit word "tapaz," meaning "fire." This city was renowned for its magnificent, bright yellow stones.

Throughout history, topaz has endured through the ages, and various legends have been associated with it. It is mentioned by the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) and appears in the Bible as one of the famous stones adorning Aaron's breastplate.

In Asia Minor, during the 7th century BC, legend tells of Gyges, the king of Lydia, who found a magic ring inside a bronze horse. One side of this signet ring depicted a sun carved from a topaz, and the other, an image of the moon cut from an emerald. Engraved on this fabulous ring were words which, when spoken aloud, granted invisibility. The ring was never found.

Topaz was quickly attributed with protective properties and magical powers. In ancient times, it was nicknamed the golden stone because it facilitated gold mining.

The Egyptians used this fabulous stone as a talisman. Legend has it that Cleopatra gave a magnificent topaz to her lover, Mark Antony. A magical intaglio from Alexandria has been discovered and is currently housed in the Cabinet des Médailles in Paris. This intaglio depicts the god Helios driving the chariot of the sun. On the reverse side, indecipherable characters are visible.

The Romans and Greeks used it as a protective stone, believing it made them stronger and that it had the power to make them invisible. The Hebrews attributed power and invincibility to it.

In the Middle Ages, topaz was used to treat eye ailments. It was soaked in a glass of wine for several days, and then compresses soaked in this elixir were applied to the eyes. In 1348, topaz is said to have saved plague victims during the great Black Death epidemic. A topaz was set in jewelry and worn by Pope Clement VI.

Indian doctors use topaz to strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation. As for the Chinese, they hung a topaz in their homes to bring them strength and good health.

Today, we can say that topaz belongs to the silicate family and the nesosilicate subclass. Blue topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which is considered high. In comparison, diamond has a hardness of 10, the highest on the same scale.

Topaz has an orthorhombic crystal system, with its color varying depending on its aluminum content or other elements, such as iron, cobalt, or chromium. In fact, the stone's color varies in transparency and translucency, with hues ranging from yellow to green, pink, or blue. Blue topaz can be light blue (Sky Blue), grayish blue (London Blue), or bright blue (Swiss Blue).

The main deposits are located in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Peru, Namibia, etc.

Blue topaz is a stone that promotes communication and eloquence. It encourages clear and measured speech. Messages are easily received. It allows one to open up to others and take a genuine interest in them. It can be the foundation of lasting friendships. It fosters frankness and honesty. The wearer demonstrates empathy and compassion.

This stone is recommended for people who are angry, jealous, or resentful. It promotes emotional control and channeling. It brings inner wisdom. In fact, it opens new perspectives and strengthens relationships with others. It encourages honesty and loyalty. It facilitates forgiveness and peace.

Topaz is highly recommended for artists and intellectuals. It fosters artistic creativity and intellectual development. It helps maintain mental flexibility and overcome rigid thinking and preconceived notions. It promotes optimism and facilitates decision-making. It dispels fears and doubts. It is a stone that bestows keen intuition.

This fabulous stone restores self-confidence and assurance. It is an excellent shield against negative emotions and feelings such as anguish, anxiety, and unconscious fears.