The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors including red, orange, peach, pink, gold, yellow, brown and clear and is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Russia.
Naturally pale to medium blue topaz is enhanced by irradiation to produce a more intense blue color. Red and pink topaz gems were used in the jewelry of the 18th and 19th Century Russian Czarinas and is why topaz is sometimes called "Imperial Topaz".
The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Another beautiful topaz is in the Green Vault in Dresden which has one of the world's most important gem collections.
Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it can be split with a single blow and should be protected from hard knocks.
Topaz is the birthstone of November (yellow topaz) and December (blue topaz), it is a talisman for the sign of Sagittarius and the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage. See the birthstone tables for additional references to this stone. Topaz is also said to be one of the gemstones used in the Breastplate of the High Priest
During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.
The Topaz is considered quite precious by African bushmen, being used in ceremonies for healing and for connecting with the spirits who have departed from this plane.
Topaz is known as the "Stone of True Love and Success in all Endeavors!" It can promote individuality and creativity, while providing for confidence in trusting ones decisioins. It acts to relace negativity withlove and joyfulness.
The energy of the Topaz acts through the laws of attraction and manifestation. The gentle shades act as a catalytic trigger for the manifesttion activities while the vibratory resonance acts with an etheral magnetic effect.
When Topaz is used in conjuction with Amethyst, it both gives and receives energy from the Amethyst, facilitating teh utilization of the laws of attraction and manifestation for the good of all. Amethyst further provides for the transmutation of undeveloped energies into spiritual vibrations to produce a soothing, clearing and stabilizing effect. This combination is quite useful for both white majic and healing.
Astrological Signs of Sagittarius - Elemental
Vibrates to the number 6
Blue Topaz
Stimulates the throat chakra allowing for clear communication of ones desires, and allows one to be unburdened by arrogance and unconfined passions. It further helps in bringing the body, mind and spirit into union with the forces of the perfection of the Universe.
Astrological Signs of Sagittarius & Virgo
Vibrates to the number 3
Golden Topaz
Acts to initiate faith and to further the quest for the enlightened state. It is quite useful in activating and stimulating the first three chakras and the crown chakra. It can be used to enhance relaxation, create lightness of spirit and to stimulate feelings of peace.
Astrological Signs of Sagittarius, Leo & Pisces
Vibrates to the number 9
Multi-Colored Topaz
Can be used to corect unwanted, unloving behavior patterns and emotional reactions. It can also provide for smooth states of meditation and enhances mental travel to other parts of the world.
All Astrological Signs
Vibrates to the number 3
Topaz can be used to manifest health and correct disorders within the body. It has been used to treat the loss of taste as well as skin eruptions.
