Topaz
The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’
that means fire.
The Egyptians believed that the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra
colored topaz. The Romans conceived similar beliefs as
they associated topaz with Jupiter, who is also the god
of the sun. Thus topaz was believed to be a very
powerful amulet that protected the faithful angst harm.
Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has
it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve
eyesight as well! The ancient Greeks believed that it
had the power to increase strength and make its wearer
invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to
change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink.
Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the
phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia,
asthma, and hemorrhages.
Perhaps the most famous topaz is a
giant specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, the Braganza,
which was first thought to be a diamond. There is also a
beautiful topaz set in the Green Vault in Dresden, one
of the world's important gem collections. Brown, yellow, orange, sherry, red
and pink topaz is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Pink
topaz is found in Pakistan and Russia.
Today we also have blue topaz,
which has a pale to medium blue color created by
irradiation. Pale topaz which is enhanced to become blue
is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China. In
early 1998, a new type of enhanced topaz made its
appearance, the surface-enhanced topaz, with colours
described as blue to greenish-blue or emerald green.
Topaz is a very hard gemstone but
it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares
with diamond. As a result it should be protected from
hard knocks.
Topaz is the birthstone for those
born in the month of November.
An
array of colors resembling the sunset and the sea range
from red, orange, peach, and pink, gold and yellow. The
brilliant blue shade is rarely found in nature.
The rich reddish cognac colors and vivid pinks
discovered in Brazil were used to grace the jewelry of
the 18th and 19th Century Russian
Czarinas hence being called the 'Imperial Topaz'.
It is the enduring symbol of love and affection, brings
long lasting friendship and ensures the fidelity of the
one you love. When worn it is said to relieve negative
emotions and brings friendship. A talisman for the sign
of Sagittarius and is the suggested gift for the 23rd
anniversary.
Alternate
Names of Topaz are, Sunela, Golden Topaz, and Rubellite |
