Topaz

In ancient Greece it was believed that topaz would give strength. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed that topaz could break magic spells and relieve anger.  In India, many believed that topaz worn above the heart assured long life, beauty and intelligence. Today, topaz is one of the November birthstones.

The largest faceted gemstone ever recorded is the "Champagne Topaz." The gem was mined in Brazil, weighs 36,854 cts. and measures 34.9 cm x 15.5 cm x 12.1 cm.

According to Webster's English Dictionary, the word topaz is derived from the Middle English word topace, Old French topace or topase, Latin topazus, topazios, which is the old Greek name for an island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad.  The island never produced topaz, but it was once a source or peridot, which was sometimes mistakenly called topaz. 

Gemology
Topaz is often confused with citrine and smoky quartz.  Topaz has an exceptionally wide color range which includes various tones and saturations of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple as well as colorless.  Imperial topaz is a trade name for stones with a medium reddish orange to orangey red hue.  Sherry topaz is a trade name for stones that are yellowish brown or brownish yellow.  Generally, red is the most valuable color of topaz. 

Sources
Topaz is mined in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Hardness & Toughness
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, but has poor toughness due to cleavage.

Stability
High heat can alter the color of topaz, and sudden temperature changes can cause breakage. Topaz is generally stable to light, but some brown stones may fade.  Uncoated topaz is only slightly affected by chemicals.

Treatments

Care and Cleaning
Topaz can be cleaned with warm soapy water.  Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used. Care should be taken with coated stones to prevent scratches.