The word "topaz" from the Latin language is translated as "fire", "warmth". Its other names: Brazilian ruby, imperial, and in the Urals - heavyweight.
Topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate. Quite often there are colorless minerals or with shades of different densities: cherry-brown, yellow, light green, pink, blue, red, golden. There are also stones with cat-eye coloring.
In this article we will learn more about this gem, and also try to answer the question that many people ask: is topaz a precious or semi-precious mineral?
History
Topaz in the ancient world was considered a stone capable of revealing various secrets. Using it, it was possible to influence people, subdue them, and also expose intrigues. Due to this, he began to be considered a stone of courtiers and psychologists.
During the period of geographical discoveries,when people did not yet think about the question of whether topaz is a precious stone, there was a belief that the mineral is able to pacify storms, therefore sailors, going on trips, bought a ring with it.
Physical properties
- Color - smoky, yellow, pink or blue (often colorless).
- Density - 3.5 g/cm3.
- Crystals are perfectly formed, prismatic, rich in facets (dipyramids, pinacoids, rhombic prisms). It happens in the form of fine-grained masses and beautiful druze.
- Hardness - 8 (on the Mohs scale).
- Shine glass.
Origin
The stone can be found in pegmatite veins in paragenesis with orthoclase, quartz, micas, albite. In greisens it is associated with fluorite, aquamarine, wolframite and cassiterite.
Deposits
Occurs in Volyn, Eastern Siberia, the Urals (in the rivers Kamenka and Sanarka), abroad in Madagascar and Brazil.
The size of the minerals can be very large. So, in 1965, a crystal with a total weight of 117 kg was found at a deposit in Ukraine.
Healing properties
Healing properties have been known since ancient times. Healers used this stone as a remedy for possible poisoning. In various countries, topaz was used to treat eye diseases, including myopia. It is believed that this stone improves sleep, helps with nervous disorders, relieves insomnia forever. Lithotherapists believe that the mineralis an excellent remedy for diseases of the gallbladder, spleen and liver. This magic stone improves the taste. Traditional healers with the help of topaz stop bleeding, treat bronchial asthma. There is an opinion that the stone should be worn on your body to increase immunity, as well as prevent colds.
Ayurveda
In Ayurveda there is no doubt which topaz is a precious or semi-precious stone. Here it is considered precious, giving the intellect an energy charge. The stone is able to reduce fear, inflame passion. Its owners are recommended to wear it on the right hand on the index finger, preferably in a gold ring, and also around the neck in the form of a pendant.
Mineral develops intuition, speeds up reaction, enhances premonitions. It is also highly regarded for its beauty. Topaz also has healing powers.
Precious or semi-precious other mineral does not have such a huge number of useful properties as this one. It is believed that if you wear it around your neck, framed in silver, then asthma attacks will begin to pass, insomnia will disappear, taste sensations will intensify, and gout and epilepsy will disappear without a trace. The use of topaz in chronic diseases will increase the effectiveness of other methods of healing. Also, this stone was used to treat inflammation of the tonsils, throat, as well as diseases of the spine.
Magical Properties
The magical properties of such a stone as topaz have also been known since ancient times. Whether it was precious or semi-precious, then people were not yet interested. The golden stone in the countries of the East was a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Pink topaz in India is considered a magical remedy that brings back lost hope. Amulets are made from it in many countries, which are designed to protect against witchcraft, evil spirits, the evil eye and damage. It is a stone of friendship, spiritual purity, joy and prudence. Ancient legends attribute to him an interesting property to pacify the elements. He helps people who were born under the sign of Scorpio: girls become more beautiful, men bring wisdom.
Is Topaz a precious or semi-precious stone?
Used as a precious stone in jewelry art. It is used to create all kinds of jewelry.
Amulets and talismans
A talisman with a stone such as topaz (precious or semi-precious is a mineral, we found out in this article) is used as a means of attracting material we alth, good luck, and success in professional activities. He is the talisman of travelers, businessmen and scientists. A brooch or pendant with it will give its owner strength, help achieve financial well-being, and also overcome any difficulties.
This stone was also used as an amulet that could save a woman from infertility, and a man from sexual weakness.