Brazil imperial topaz pendant with 925 silver loop

Pendant composed of a small imperial topaz of approximately 6 to 10mm pierced by a 925 silver bail.
Shapes and patterns may vary from one stone to another.

It is said that the name of this incredible stone comes from the island of Zabargad, located in the Red Sea and formerly called Topazos. On this famous island, there were a multitude of minerals to which the name topaz was often wrongly attributed.

It was not until the 17th century that the name topaz was clearly attributed to this famous mineral. Another story regarding the etymology of the name topaz comes from the Sanskrit “tupas” meaning fire. It was Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt (1550 - 1632), Flemish humanist, both doctor and mineralogist who named this hydrated aluminum fluosilicate mineral topaz.

Thus, many topazes mentioned in earlier texts may, in fact, be citrines, peridots, or yellow sapphires. When Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79) mentions green topaz, he may be referring to chrysolite.

In ancient Egypt, imperial topaz symbolized the sun, the god Ra and power. The Greeks and Romans believed it increased their courage to go into battle. Furthermore, it was also known to cure illness, improve fertility and neutralize poisons.

In the Middle Ages, it was thought that this stone was a stone capable of attracting gold and facilitating research. This concerns in particular the imperial topaz of the yellow color.

Among Native Americans, imperial topaz develops artistic senses and increases acts of heroism. In China, it is hung in homes because it provides power and good health. In Japan, it is said to solve many problems related to fertility.

The Russian tsars took control of all production from Russian topaz mines. So, they decided to complete its name with imperial topaz. Other European kings wore topazes of many colors. This is the case for Premysl Ottokar of Bohemia (1230-1278), king of Austria.

Today, this fabulous stone is used in jewelry. In fact, it has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which is very high and prized by jewelers in the making of their jewelry. For comparison, the highest hardness is 10 on this same scale and this is the hardness of diamond.

Topaz is a mineral from the silicate family, of magmatic formation. Its crystal system is orthorhombic, it has a vitreous luster and can be transparent to translucent. It is generally golden in color, however its shades differ depending on its particular chemical composition, particularly when part of the aluminum is replaced by iron, cobalt or chromium.

It exhibits strong pleochroism (change in the color of a crystal when it is exposed to light). It varies according to the colors of the imperial topaz: it is very clear for yellow topaz, weak for blue and strong for pink. In summary, topaz has colors ranging from gold to purple, green, blue or pink. These color changes are due to the more or less presence of phosphorus.

The main deposits are located in Brazil, Russia and Zambia.

An energizing stone bringing energy, imperial topaz provides warmth and cheerfulness to its wearer. It is often linked to enthusiasm, courage and passion. It gives the ability to bounce back after failure and overcome life's difficulties. In fact, it generates powerful and positive constructive forces.

It radiates impressive energy and vitality. Shy and anxious people find confidence, self-confidence, and even charisma. They learn to have self-esteem. More serene, they can undertake projects, set goals and do everything to achieve them.

Imperial Topaz is an excellent stone for students, people in training, because it provides the motivation and energy necessary to achieve their goal. It offers lucidity and clarity when making important decisions.

A stone of openness towards others, it encourages people who are too shy to reach out to others. It develops compassion and empathy. It allows its wearer to show real interest in their interlocutor, to give advice, then it ends up becoming indispensable. Its wearer shines, shares his joy and good humor with those around him.