Discover the history, properties, and some curiosities of Yellow Topaz, the lucky stone linked to the months of November/December and the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Read on or explore our selection of Yellow Topaz jewellery in the OIRITALY.IT online shop.
HISTORY OF TOPAZ
Like sapphires, diamonds, onyx, and all precious stones, the Yellow Topaz also has a mythological history behind it. In Hindu mythology, it represents one of the sacred stones of the Kalpa tree; the local populations believed that wearing it would extend their lives and sharpen their intelligence. Considered a stone symbol of courage and wisdom, it was later used as an amulet against evil spells. Yellow Topaz has always been a rare gemstone, owned only by wealthy people, including ancient rulers. It was associated with wealth and luxury until around the mid-19th century, when large deposits were discovered in Brazil.
There are two hypotheses about the origin of the name Topaz:
- It might derive from the island of Topazon, located in the Red Sea, where some shipwrecked pirates are believed to have found topazes in large quantities.
- Secondly, it might derive from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire or ardour.
Yellow Topaz is still considered a rare gemstone since it is not easily found in nature, and it can be found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, and Mexico.
COLOURING AND PROPERTIES
Yellow Topaz is a hard stone commonly used in jewellery. It comes in a variety of colours, including yellow, green, blue or light blue, red, and pink. Although it is normally colourless or transparent, most stones on the market have undergone treatments to achieve the shades we commonly see. Yellow symbolizes joy and cheerfulness, stimulating life enjoyment and optimism. Once extracted, it has an elongated shape that can be cut into many forms, showcasing the clarity and brilliance of this brilliant gemstone through its facets.
The gemstone is particularly useful for meditation, thanks to its ability to purify the mind; its power is strongest during a crescent moon. It influences the character of the person holding it, bringing out their charismatic side. It aids against depression, increases vitality and appetite, and balances emotions. When placed under a pillow, it can drive away nightmares and help improve sleep. At home, Yellow Topaz wards off fire-related dangers. To charge it, expose it to the rays of the crescent moon, and to purify it, dust, wash with water, and dry carefully. Yellow Topaz is the lucky stone for the months of November/December and is also the charm for those born under the zodiac sign Sagittarius.
TOPAZ IN JEWELLERY
Since ancient times, Topaz has been highly sought after in the world of jewellery. Its popularity has significantly risen due to the creation of stunning topaz jewellery pieces. Its light-reflecting qualities and cheerful, warm, and elegant colours have made topaz in jewellery highly coveted. Topaz tends to form large crystals that can weigh several quintals. Working with these large blocks allows topaz to be crafted into different cuts, with one of the most common cuts being the Brilliant Gem. Although Topaz is prized in jewellery, it is worth noting that it can be easily scratched, which makes the stone setting process particularly challenging and requires the skill of an experienced jeweller.
