White Topaz 9×4.5mm Marquise

History and Folklore

The name Topaz probably came from the island of Tapazos located in the Red Sea. However. one of the earliest known sources was that of Schneckenstein near Aderbach In Saxon Voigtland. Germany. Even though the topaz known today was probably not mined on this island, the word topaz began to describe all light yellow stones found in ancient times. According to the Egyptians, they believed topaz received its glowing golden color by the sun god. Many believe topaz possesses a cooling and calming effect as well as the ability to dispel sadness. In Brazil. miners began to discover topaz with overtones of red and pink. These stones began to appear in the jewelry of the czars of Russia during the 18th and 19th century, earning its name Imperial Topaz.

Facts and Information

Along with citrine, precious topaz (yellow to gold) is considered a birthstone for November. Topaz comes in many shades of blue as well as white, champagne, yellow, pink and golden colors. For many years, all yellow and golden brown stones were called topaz. Since the yellow quartz (citrine) was sometimes falsely called "citrine topaz" or "quartz topaz" the term precious topaz came about to clearly distinguish them. Heating of blue topaz is routine and expected.