Topaz: The Meanings, Origins And Powers Of This Gemstone

Precious and semi-precious stones, of which topaz is one, have been used since antiquity for their many properties.

Stone of nobles, of glory and confidence, topaz changes its virtues with its color: here are all its secrets.

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What are the origins of topaz?

Pliny the Elder tells that topaz came from a foggy island in the Red Sea, Topazios, so hard to find that its name was said to come from a word meaning “to seek.” The island was infested with snakes, guardians of the stone, and topaz gave it a magical glow that defied the night.

That island, today Zabargad, actually yielded another stone, peridot: for centuries, almost any yellow stone was called “topaz.” True topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate, one of the hardest gems, found notably in Brazil, the Urals, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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Blue, imperial, pink: one stone, many colors

Natural topaz is often colorless or pale yellow. Most blue topaz on the market is in fact treated colorless topaz, which explains its gentle price. Imperial topaz, a rosy gold, is the most sought after: its finest deposits are at Ouro Preto, Brazil, and its name is said to recall the Russian tsars, who kept the Ural stones for themselves.

Pink and green topaz are rarer still. Topaz is also the birthstone of November, alongside citrine.

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The virtues of topaz in crystal healing

In crystal healing, topaz was the stone of nobles: according to legend, it brought its wearer wealth, prosperity, glory and the recognition of peers, and it attracted treasures. Facing the unknown, it gives self-confidence and helps you rise to any challenge. Its effects vary with its color: it is up to you to choose yours.

Which topaz should you choose?

Choose blue if you need to speak up, convince or calm a tense situation; imperial to regain drive and daring; pink for matters of the heart. As a ring or pendant, topaz can be worn every day, its great hardness protecting it from scratches.

⚠️ The virtues attributed to stones come from traditions and beliefs. They are not a treatment and do not replace medical advice.

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How to purify and recharge a topaz

• Purify it by immersing it for several hours in non-calcareous water.
• Recharge it in the moon’s rays, or on a scallop shell.
• Avoid strong light: some topazes lose their color in the sun.

Discover also all the characteristics of onyx and amethyst.

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