Topaz is a silicate gemstone composed of bonded atoms of aluminum and fluorine. It has a long history of use as a gemstone due to its natural hardness (Mohs 8) and is the hardest of all the silicate minerals. Topaz forms in the orthorhombic crystal system is quite often highly transparent making it ideal for faceting into gemstones. Most Topaz in its natural state is a brown, to golden orange color or white. It rarely occurs in natural pink or blue color tones. Imperial Topaz is the name given to precious Topaz stones that come from Minas Gerais, Brazil which have exceptional colors ranging from golden yellow, peach, pink-orange and the very rare sherry pink color. 

Topaz usually crystalizes in granitic pegmatites. Brazil is the largest producer of Topaz in the world. Other important localities include the Ural mountains of Russia, the Himalayan mountains of Afghanistan and several localities in the United States. Most commercial topaz gemstones used in jewelry are irradiated and heated brown Topaz which turns blue after treatment. The classification of treated blue Topaz are: sky blue(a light blue shade), swiss blue (deep sky blue shade) and London blue (dark blue similar to Indicolite). This process is causes the atomic structure within the crystal lattice to change its arrangement.

At Arkadia we choose not to use irradiated gemstones in our collection and only source natural Topaz crystals and faceted white Topaz for our designs. Although irradiated Topaz is generally safe, some gems have been tested and have been found to have elevated levels of radiation above recommended levels for direct contact with the skin. 

Throughout ancient cultures, Topaz has been associated with the life-giving force of the sun. It’s theorized that the name Topaz originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Tapa’ which means ‘heat’, or alternatively ‘sun’ and ‘burning’. This word has long been associated with the process of self-discipline and purification. Another link to Sanskrit is the old name used in the bible for Topaz, Pitdah, which is almost exactly the same as the Sanskrit word ‘Pita’, which is symbolized by the color yellow and also means ‘fire’.  The Egyptians associated Topaz with the sun god, Ra, the chief deity that gives life and and vitality to the earthly realms.

Topaz appears frequently in the bible. It is one of the chief gemstones in referenced in the garden of Eden. Another important reference with the breastplate of the holy priests in the bible, where Topaz is set in the first row of gemstones along with ruby and emerald, signifying its great importance as a sacred stone.The foundation stones of the city of Jerusalem were adorned with precious stones and Topaz represented the ninth layer. Interestingly, Topaz is associated with the 9th sign of the Zodiac, Sagittarius. Interestingly, in Vedic culture, Topaz was associated with the planet Jupiter, the ruling planet of Sagittarius.

Throughout the centuries, Topaz was used in many health cures in Europe. St Hildegarde said that the light of Topaz illuminated the prayers of the faithful and was a cure for poor vision. She would decant wine with Topaz as a medicine for eyesight and to cure insomnia.

Topaz has been discovered in Egyptian tombs and excavations of ancient Roman settlements. After having fallen out of favor for several centuries, it underwent a resurgence with Victorian jewelry designers and was used extensively in many exquisite designs from that era.