The topaz stone earned its name from “Topazios,” which refers to the old name for a small Greek island in the Red Sea, now known by the name Zabargard. The origins of this name remain somewhat obscure, as the island was never known to produce topaz stones, but it was a source of peridot with which the topaz stone was often confused. Others believe that the name comes from the Sanskrit word “tapaz,” meaning fire after its beautiful deep golden color.
Topaz Stone Formation and Origins
Topaz stones undergo a fascinating formation process. As a type of aluminum silicate containing fluorine, there are a few ways the topaz stone can form. Typically, they form along fractures of igneous rocks rhyolite, granite, or pegmatite. The topaz stones either grow in the late stages of magma cooling or after hot fluids that are rich in fluorine flow through the cracks in rocks that have already formed.
Deposits of topaz stone formations are found across the globe. The greatest supplies, however, are found in Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, Myanmar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Russia.
One of the most impressive topaz stones of all time was found in Brazil and was named the “largest diamond ever found.” This “diamond” weighed 1680 carats and was set into the Portuguese Crown Jewels before it was discovered to have been an exceptionally fine colorless topaz stone.
The topaz stone is most well-known and recognized for its golden color, appearing in amber and cognac hues. In addition to its signature golden color, topaz can also be found in a kaleidoscope of hues ranging from colorless to pink, blue, green, red, and brown.
History and Significance of Topaz Stones
The topaz stone possesses a significant history and has been appreciated for its symbolism and meaning for centuries. With its rich tapestry of historical significance and meanings, Topaz stones are a marvelous birthstone for its November-born wearers.
With the topaz stone’s enigmatic origins in Greece, it’s not surprising to learn that Greeks were mystified by this stone, generating fascinating beliefs surrounding its power. One such belief is that the stone gave its wearer strength, commonly carried as a talisman to bring courage and fortitude. These popular topaz talismans were also thought to relieve insomnia, and even restore sanity.
In other ancient civilizations, topaz was believed to offer powers of protection. During the Middle Ages, the topaz stone was worn to protect against enemies, shielding against spells and magic. Ancient Romans believed that the stone could protect against poison, with the fantastic ability to change colors in the presence of danger.
The stone’s legendary history even extends into Ancient Egyptian culture. In the heyday of the ancient civilization's power, topaz was believed to receive its color from the golden glow of the Sun God - Ra, providing protection and popularly appearing in jewelry.
Today, topaz’s meanings center around the stone’s significance as the birthstone for the month of November. Still linked to the ancient belief in topaz’s power, this autumn birthstone continues to symbolize strength. Associated with healing, soothing, and re-motivating, wearing topaz jewelry is thought to attract and promote strength, loyalty, protection, health, abundance, wisdom, and love.
Morganite and Imperial Topaz Flower Ring
Imperial topaz is unrivaled as the most exclusive and prized variety of topaz stone. Characterized by its intense color, ranging from golden to reddish-orange, it is the most sought-after and uncommon. Its rarity is so exceptional, as it exists only in a single mine in Mino do Capāo, Brazil.
Imperial topaz possesses the ability to transform in appearance under different lighting conditions. In low-light, the stone displays a high degree of transparency and refraction. In Incandescent light, like the glow of a candle, the same specimen shifts in color, generating a distinct and attractive pink hue, previously not visible.
Imperial topaz stones are known as the ‘emperor’ of Topazes, named in honor of the Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro. The stone’s imperial variety has also been historically linked with the power of imperial Russia, with its name apparently coined after the Brazilian topaz that adorned the jewelry of Tsarinas.
Our Morganite and Imperial Topaz Flower Ring combines 13.08 carats of morganite with 15.04 carats of imperial topaz all set in a stunning floral 18K white gold setting that’s adorned with brilliant white diamonds. This imperial topaz ring is a true work of art through both its delightfully inventive design and breathtaking choice of stones.
Blue Topaz Ring
The blue topaz stone is characterized by its eye-catching blue hues that range from pale blue to dark blue-green, with the most sought-after blue topaz stones radiating a deep dark blue. In sunlight, natural blue topaz displays its photoluminescent properties, producing a lit-from-within glow.
Blue topaz stones possess their own unique meaning and properties. Known to soothe, recharge, heal, stimulate, and redirect energies of the body. It is also believed to enhance forgiveness and truth while attracting joy, abundance, generosity, and good health.
Lighter hues of blue topaz stone are oftentimes confused with aquamarine, due to its likeness and resemblance to the oceanic shades that are characteristic of aquamarine. In comparing the two stones, the blue topaz stone has a hardness of 8 Mohs and is a variety of aluminum silicate containing fluorine compared to aquamarine which is a beryl mineral and has a hardness of 7.5 Mohs.
Our Blue Topaz Ring showcases the beauty of the blue topaz with a stunning oval cut stone that’s displayed in a modern 18K white gold ring setting. Minimalistic in design, this gorgeous topaz ring shows off the natural beauty of the blue topaz with its simplistic presentation that’s classic and enduring.
London Blue Topaz Briolette Necklace
London blue topaz refers to a very specific shade of topaz that radiates a brilliant medium blue. Challenging to describe, the very shade of London blue topaz is darker than aquamarine or swiss blue topaz, but lighter than what is normally seen in blue sapphire. This particular variety of blue topaz stone is prized for its deep blue color.
Natural London blue topaz is very rare and is known to bring prosperity, good luck, and abundance to its wearer. The energy of London blue topaz is said to provide guidance towards inner peace and patience, supporting its wearer through adversity.
Our London Blue Topaz Briolette Necklace features 294 carats of exceptional London blue briolettes. Dangling gracefully and graduating from large to small, this topaz necklace skillfully showcases the captivating beauty of this precious stone.
Gold and Imperial Topaz Necklace
The topaz stone shares many similarities to the citrine stone, namely its golden-yellow coloring and the fact that both stones share November as their official birth month. Imperial topaz, however, is much rarer than citrine and can be easily identified by its vibrant orange hue and pink undertones.
Traditionally, topaz is given as a gift to celebrate the 19th wedding anniversary. Though, in keeping with the exceptional rarity that sets it apart, Imperial topaz breaks tradition, acknowledging the 23rd wedding anniversary.
Our Gold and Imperial Topaz Necklace combines the warm golden hues of Imperial topaz with the richness of 18K yellow gold. With alternating beads and raw topaz, this imperial topaz necklace skillfully juxtaposes raw and refined, for an altogether brilliant golden effect.
Conclusion
In our exploration of the topaz gemstone, we’ve highlighted its geological origins and historical significance. Formed in fractures of rocks like rhyolite and granite, topaz stones are found across the globe, with major deposits in Brazil, the United States, and Russia. The historical tapestry of topaz reveals its globally diverse symbolism, from Greek beliefs in its strengthening power to the Romans' conviction of its protective nature.
Imperial topaz, the most exclusive variety, hails from Brazil and is honored in some of Tamsen Z’s most eye-catching creations. Blue topaz, specifically London blue topaz is one of the most sought-after varieties of topaz and is represented in our selection of both simplistic and intricate designs. For those born in the month of November, we are glad to celebrate this traditional birthstone’s vibrant personality, honored through Ann Ziff’s topaz creations.
