Topaz Meaning: The Protective Properties of Yellow Topaz
Topaz is more than just a beautiful gemstone—it’s a jewel steeped in history, myths, and symbolism. While we often associate clear orange or yellow topaz with friendship, past mystics have long heralded the gemstone for its protective properties, from visual improvement to warding off curses. The rise of blue topaz has also enhanced the public’s love for the jewel!
Read our guide to learn more about cultural beliefs surrounding topaz, along with some intriguing facts that make this gemstone truly special.
Explore Forsythe Jewelers’ collection of topaz jewelry at our Pittsford, NY store, or learn about other mystical gemstones such as amethyst and opal!
What is Topaz?
Topaz is a silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, giving the gemstone its characteristic yellow hue. While not as hard as a diamond, topaz is durable with a score of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes the gem scratch-resistant and sturdy enough to handle everyday wear.
The best way to clean topaz is with warm water and diluted dish soap, which is consistent with standard gem maintenance practices. However, avoid cleaning topaz with ultrasonic cleaners or steam, which can create small fractures.
Topaz Meaning and Common Beliefs
Topaz has long been associated with protective and healing properties. Astrologists believe that orange topaz is aligned with Scorpio and Sagittarius star signs. It’s celebrated as the traditional birthstone for November (citrine being the modern birthstone of November), symbolizing friendship and warmth.
Others believe the gemstone has protective properties related to mental clarity, physical well-being, visual enhancement, and even invisibility.
St. Hildegard of Bingen: Renowned abbess and medical practitioner St. Hildegard of Bingen described using topaz to cure dim vision. Her remedy involved soaking the gemstone in wine for three days and nights before gently rubbing it on the eyes.
Ancient Greeks: The Greeks ascribed the power of invisibility to topaz, suggesting that wearing it could make the wearer unseen in times of danger. Some thought topaz could increase the wearer’s strength.
Ancient Rome: The ancient Romans believed topaz provided protection during travel. It was said to have the ability to detect poisons and shield the wearer from robbery and assault.
Medieval Times: According to A Lapidary or History of Gemstones (printed in 1652), Topaz was thought to cure lunacy, offering mental balance and clarity.
European Middle Ages: People believed wearing topaz jewelry on the left arm would ward off curses and the evil eye. Some superstitions said the gemstone could enhance body heat, helping to relieve colds or fevers as well as improving mental acuity.
Ancient India: For centuries, Indians have worn topaz over their hearts to grant beauty, intelligence, and longevity.
What Color Is Topaz Naturally?
Topaz most naturally occurs as a colorless gemstone, often having a gray cast—but its formation conditions, impurities, and treatments determine the final color.
During the Middle Ages, the term “topaz” was used for any yellow gemstone. Although modern jewelers narrowed the definition to the current silicate mineral we know today, topaz continued to retain its reputation as a golden gemstone until the 1950s. By then, innovations in gemstone treatment revolutionized the topaz color spectrum from rich yellows and browns to a clear sky blue.
Yellow, orange, and brown varieties are the most common, while red and pink are rarer (consisting of chromium instead of aluminum). Brown topaz can be treated to turn a bright yellow or gold.
Although it’s rare to find naturally occurring blue topaz, it is one of the most common varieties on the market. Most blue topaz is created through routine radiation and heat treatments, transforming pale or colorless topaz into stunning shades of sky blue.
Topaz Etymology
The word "topaz" is believed to originate from the Greek word topazos, referring to a small island in the Red Sea, Topazios (now known as Zabargad), where yellow gemstones were mined. Another theory suggests that it comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire," a nod to its fiery golden hues.
7 Fun Facts About Topaz
Orange topaz is the state gemstone of Utah, while blue topaz is the state gemstone of Texas.
Blue topaz is traditionally given as a gift for the 4th wedding anniversary, while Imperial topaz is the gemstone for the 23rd anniversary.
The largest faceted gemstone in the world is the El-Dorado Topaz, which weighs an astonishing 31,000 carats.
In 1740, a large gemstone was discovered in Brazil, which was initially believed to be the largest diamond in the world. Known as the “Braganza Diamond,” jewelers set the gemstone in the Portuguese crown. It was later identified as a colorless topaz.
Among topaz varieties, Imperial Topaz stands out as the most valuable and rarest form. It is recognized by its deep orange to reddish-orange color, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. In Russia, Imperial topaz was reserved exclusively for the Czar, his family, and the individuals he gifted with the jewels, highlighting its esteemed status.
Blue topaz, once the rarest color, is now among the most common due to the treatment of colorless topaz. Irradiation and heat treatment permanently transform it into shades of sky blue.
The heaviest known topaz is housed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. It weighs around 600 pounds and serves as a testament to the impressive size that topaz crystals can achieve.
Browse Topaz Jewelry at Forsythe Jewelers
Whether you prefer the warm hues of yellow or orange topaz or are drawn to the sky-colored blue topaz, it’s clear that the gemstone is a staple in any gem enthusiast’s collection!
Forsythe Jewelers in Rochester, NY (Pittsford) has a beautiful selection of topaz jewelry. Browse our store to find the perfect piece or schedule an appointment with our experts to learn how to create a custom jewelry item!
