Topaz: First birthstone of December

You have some rings, earrings Or pendants set with topaz? Learn more about this December birthstone, also accompanied by Tanzanite.

Origins of topaz

This fine stone, already very popular at the time of ancient empires, has been known to civilizations for thousands of years, but its origins are still uncertain today. It is believed that it took its name from a Greek island in the Red Sea known as “Zebirget" Or "Zabargad”, which was previously named “TopazHowever, topaz has never been mined on this island, unlike another stone: peridot, which was formerly called topaz (green in color) until the Middle Ages. This is why these two gems were often confused. 

Another explanation for its name could find its origin in an ancient Indian language “Sanskrit". Indeed, in this ancient language of India, fire is debranded by the word “topaz" Or "tapaz”. 

Often confused with other yellow colored gemstones such as citrine or smoky quartz. The stone “topaz” was only officially defined and described in 1609 by the mineralogist Anselme Bocès.

Characteristics of topaz

Topaz is a fine stone composed of aluminum and fluorine in an orthorhombic crystalline structure. It can be of different shades: yellow, brown, blue, orange, red, pink, colorless, which is why it is characterized as a stone “allochromatic”.

Furthermore, these can be modified or intensified by heat treatment, or by the coating technique. The characteristics of topaz give it a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.4 to 3.5.

With a vitreous luster and a transparent to lucid hue, this luminous gem may contain certain impurities such as traces of iron, chromium, magnesium, or even titanium.

Colors of topaz

The colours of topaz are rarely bright: the most common is yellow topaz tending towards orange (some yellowish brown varieties from certain deposits lose their colour in the light); the most valuable is pink to orange-pink topaz. 

Here are the details of the different names of topaz depending on its color:

• Sky blue topaz : Sky blue topaz, with its light, bright blue tones, evokes a clear sky. It is one of the lightest shades of topaz available on the market, often confused with aquamarine, it has a lower cost than the latter which makes it an excellent alternative.
• Swiss blue topaz : Swiss blue topaz has a vibrant blue hue reminiscent of tropical seas, intermediate in color between sky blue and London blue. Depending on the number of facets cut on the Swiss blue topaz, subtle variations in the stone's hues will be observed, making each stone unique.
• Topaz London blue : London blue topaz is the darkest of the topazes and is distinguished by its deep and intense blue, like the English flag, hence its name "London Blue".
• Imperial Topaz : Imperial topaz is a rare and prized gemstone, valued for its warm, rich hues, ranging from golden yellow to deep orange, embodying luxury and sophistication.

Topaz deposits

The primary deposits are pegmatites (minerals); it is also found in secondary alluvial deposits. In the 17th century, the most famous mines were in Schneckenstein and in the Ore Mountains (in Germany). Today, Brazil is the main producer of topaz; particularly famous for its orange-pink "imperial topazes".
Topaz is found in many other deposits such as: Afghanistan, Australia, China, United States (Utah), Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, as well as in England for light blue topaz called “sky blue”.

Symbolism of topaz

In lithotherapy, topaz is said to have the following virtues: concentration, communication, serenity, inner peace. The Indians therefore considered it a remedy for the heart and blood circulation, while medieval Europe attributed virtues to it for improving vision. For their part, the Chinese saw it as an extraordinary source of energy for the body.

Symbolically, this gem can be offered to celebrate the 44th wedding anniversary. It is also very popular for engagement rings.

Topaz Care

Sensitive to high temperatures and sudden changes in temperature, topaz should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, as this could cause its natural color to fade. 

It should also be stored in a fabric pouch or a separate case, in order to avoid collisions with other jewelry that could scratch the gem. In this way, the topaz is preserved for a long time and will offer its best shine over the years.

In addition, the brilliance of this fine stone can also be maintained with a light: a little warm soapy water. Finally, after removing any residue with a rinse in clear water, a soft cloth can be used to dry the gem while removing traces of limescale or soap, to find your topaz jewel as resplendent as the first day, and all this in a few moments.