| The
chemical composition of topaz is Aluminum fluoro-hydroxyl-silicate.
There are many dazzling shades of this stone:
colorless, yellow, orange, brown, blue, green
and rarely pink or purple. Amber-gold to a peachy
blush, are popular variations, radiating the suns
glow. Rare, valuable shades are champagne pink
and rosy red.
From the Middle-Ages, to ancient Greece, topaz
has been associated with strength. By improving
eyesight, or saving its wearer from death, topaz
was thought to increase prowess, and well-being
in many ways.
This warm stone is mined primarily in Brazil
and Russia, and can grow to immense proportions.
A large specimen resides atop the Portuguese
crown, and a single stone was once recorded
at 597 lbs! Topaz also tops record books as
the largest faceted gem, coming in at 36,854
carats.
Varieties of Topaz:
Imperial Topaz - An
orange-yellow shade, it's the most valuable
variety of topaz.
Oriental Topaz - Yellow-brown
sapphire
Precious Topaz - refers
to original, highly valued topaz.
Common imposters of topaz are citrine, sapphire,
smoky quartz, and zircon. Susceptible to fading,
topaz should be kept out of continual sunlight.
It's a hard stone, but can be cleaved with a
single blow, and should always be kept safe
from rough handling.
Choose
your own gorgeous birthstone jewelry at JeGem.com
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