Topaz is a gem that has a long history of being associated with the sun. This is because the colors of a sunrise or sunset are captured in this gem. The Egyptians believed that wearing a topaz amulet or pendant provided protection from the sun god Ra to the wearer. The Romans associated topaz with the sun god Jupiter, and they felt that topaz was a powerful bearer of good fortune and positive events.

Many cultures have historically believed that wearing topaz allows you to have clear vision and thinking, and to be able to protect yourself from evil spells or incantations. Historically, it was also believed to grant the user almost superhuman strengths and abilities in emergency or crisis situations. In ancient times, many nobles wore topaz, as it was believed to change color when in the presence of poison. They would often wear it in rings and place their hands over their food or drink to see if it had been meddling. Topaz was also thought to gain strength with the phases of the moon and was thought to cure some diseases and conditions such as insomnia, respiratory problems, and some blood disorders.

In the most modern tradition, topaz is the birthstone of those born in the month of November. Although it is a very hard stone, it can be split quite easily if struck at the correct angle.

Colors

Topaz naturally comes in many different colors. The most recognized color of topaz is amber or gold, with peach, tan, brown or orange hues. A cognac color of topaz is slightly darker than the amber hue and tends to have more brownish reflections.

The largest topaz is the Braganza topaz. It is set in the Portuguese crown and was originally thought to be a large diamond. This topaz, although called white topaz, is actually colorless and is the most common type, found in China, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Nigeria, and India.

Pink topaz is naturally found in Pakistan and Russia, and is occasionally found elsewhere. Pink topaz is usually pale pink in color; Anything that is described as “hot pink” or “bright pink” is artificially treated or heated to produce the enhanced color. Heating a few shades of pink topaz will remove the orange color and leave a lavender gemstone.

Brown, red, deep pink, yellow, orange, and sherry topaz are naturally found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Heating and enhancing these different natural colors can lead to a wide variety of darker shades and truly unique colors.

Pale topaz can be irradiated in a laboratory to create a blue topaz. The color of this gem is a very pale to medium blue, and it is not a dark blue color. The pale topaz needed to make a blue topaz is found in Sri Lanka, China, Brazil, and Nigeria.

In 1998, gemologists began to enhance the surface of pale topaz to create a green topaz. This topaz ranges in color from leaf green to emerald green. Again this is not a naturally occurring gem and requires surface enhancement to produce color.