Topaz the Crystal
The name topaz has Greek origins. It originated from the Greek word "topazos," which means to seek. It is also the name given to an island found in the Red Sea, which was said to be hidden and hard to locate. This island was the source of topazes during the olden times, and it was said that large yellow stones of topaz could be mined in this island. But it was later believed that what the ancient period thought of as topaz was actually a yellowish olivine. During the Middle Ages, this term was used for labeling all gemstones colored yellow.
Characteristics of Topaz
Like other gemstones, topaz has a specific chemical composition. It is made up of aluminum fluorohydroxyl silicate. Its appearance is semi-transparent to transparent. Although a pure topaz is seen as transparent, it usually has impurities, which lends it its color of wine or straw colored. Other colors available for topazes are green, blue, pink, white, yellow, and gray. After heating a yellow topaz will turn a reddish-pink. When irradiated, this gemstone changes to a light shade of blue. The hardness of Topaz has been measured at 8 based on the Mohs scale. Its gravity is about 3.4-3.6.
Topaz as Jewelry
Topaz has been used in jewelries and is one of the favorite gemstones for hundreds of years. Jewelers nowadays manufacture topazes that show iridescent colors. They do this by applying a layer of titanium oxide to the stone through the process of physical vapor deposition. The most renowned of this creation is named as the Mystic Fire Topaz, which name the company Azotic Coatings patented during the late 1990s.
Because it is the birthstone for November, topazes became one of the favorite gifts given to anybody whose birthday falls on November, and the most purchased color of topaz is the blue topaz. Topaz not only found its way into being one of the favorite stones incorporated in silver and gold jewelries, but this precious stone has also made its way into watches and other accessories.
The stones from Siberia slowly fade in color on extended exposure to sunlight. Stones as these are advised to be kept in dark areas at all times. This fading type is generally not considered desirable by buyers so caution should be taken when purchasing topaz.
To date, the biggest topaz ever excavated was tagged as El Dorado, which was found in Brazil in the year of 1984. The El Dorado weighed a heavy 6.2 kg and is a known collection of the British Royal family.
Related Tags: jewelry, jewels, gems, topaz
Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on marriage and relationships and visit our associated site articles for free.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Propose Your Lady With Wonderful Diamond Engagement Ring
There are many occasions in our life which is very important for us and such moment is proposing. Pr - Closer Look At Rose Gold Engagement Rings
The Rose Gold jewelry has been in style for many years and firstly well known in Russia. The jewelry - Impregnated Diamond Core Bit
Scientists and engineers explore for mineral deposits (such as metals, gold, gemstone, diamond etc.) - Exclusive Art Deco Style Wedding Ring
Most couple definitely need to have all particular issues prepared for his or her marriage ceremony - Know How To Match Your Pearl Jewelry To Clothing And Skin Tone!
Knowing how to appropriately match pearl jewelry to your wardrobe and skin tone may not be easy beca - Precious Laboratory Grown Diamonds Against High-priced Natural Diamonds
Synthetic or man made diamond stones are the diamonds made by human. They're made by practiced scien - Four Leaf Clover
Four leaf clovers is a unique combination of the very common three leaved clover that is the usual n - Buy Silver Tiffany Bangles Online
Founded in 1837, Tiffany & co. has been renowned for its luxury goods, especially silver jewelry. Ti - Presentation - Julie Miville-dechene, Founder Of Bijoulie
Creative, original, adventurous, generous with a passion for life! That is the perfect way to introd - Discount Skagen Watches - Where To Get Great Prices
Are you looking for discount Skagen watches?It can be time consuming if you don't know where to look
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Moissanite Man Made Diamonds Deliver a Lifetime of Brilliance
Moissanite, born from a star that fell onto the earth and scattered beautiful sparkling rocks for mi - One Little Cabochon
So, you think you'd like to make your own cabochons? Well, I'm going to tell you what's involved in - Princess Diana's Engagement Ring: Her Jewelery Was Beautiful But Her Life Was Tragic in Many Ways
Who isn't fascinated by the gracious and beautiful Princess Di? Everything about her held an air of - Upgrading Your Diamond
As the De Beers advertising campaign states, "A Diamond is forever", that does not necessarily mean - How To Purchase Diamond As A Gift?
Gift the women of your life a dazzling white diamond and see the gleam on her face. Worth it. Isn't - Earrings: Balancing Style With Beauty
Geometric shapes are probably the current choice of working person that is getting an outlet in the - About Gold and Silver Jewelry
Fashion is said to be a whimsical thing. This statement can be fully applied to jewelry. Its appeara - Jewelry That Lets Your Personality Shine Through
Everyone knows that hippie chic is a style that is here to stay. From high fashion runways to the gi - Turquoise Jewelry Myth, Magic and Maintenance
Turquoise is a sacred stone "that has been used for centuries to adorn ritual objects and is still c - How To Find A Cheap Diamond Ring
A diamond is not cheap. That is the first thing that you should stick in your head before you sta