Magento Commerce

The main sources of mining today for Topaz are Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan. The stones are mined using surface mining such as open pit mining. Underground mining is sometimes used, too. Mining companies choose the kind of mining that they will use depending on how deep the mineral is underground. When purchasing topaz stones, particularly the yellow variety, the buyer must be prepared. Many of the stones sold as topaz (particularly from overseas) are actually the lesser valued citrine stones.

Topaz is often thought of as a yellow gemstone, but it comes in a wide variety of colors. Most colors of topaz are relatively common, and quite affordable, some colors like red and pink are quite rare and much sought after, so their price is much higher.

Topaz is considered to be the traditional birthstone for November. (Citrine is also considered a gemstone for November.) Topaz is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign Scorpio and the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary.

Topaz stones were mentioned in the Old Testament, but many scholars believe that this reference of Topaz in the bible was actually talking about the gemstone peridot. Many scientists believe that real topaz were yellow crystals discovered in the early 1700s in Germany. The name of the gemstone is thought by some to have come from an island Topazos, which is found in the Red Sea, and was an early source for this gemstone. Others believe that it comes from the Sanskrit word "topas" meaning "fire".

The largest faceted Topaz specimen ever found was a whopping a whopping 31,000 carat stone which came from Brazil. This topaz stone is named El Dorado. The rough crystal weighed an astonishing 37 kg when discovered in 1984, and after cutting and polishing the final weight was only 6.2 kg. Other large topaz stones include a rare, perfect blue gemstone which was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1965. It weighed 100 kilograms and a 137 pound crystal was found in Norway in 1901 that was two feet long.

The use of topaz in antique jewelry dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans. During the 18th century, it was used more frequently in diamond jewelry in both Spain and France. During the 19th century, it became popular to use topaz in combination with amethyst in earrings and necklaces in France and England. Topaz was a very popular stone during the Victorian Jewelry Period and later became used during the Art Deco Jewelry era.

Caring for topaz is relatively easy. Warm soapy water and a soft brush will usually keep it in good condition. Because it is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. Bright light can cause the stone to fade, so it should be carefully stored when not being used.

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November’s fog and snow
Should prize the topaz amber hue
Emblem of friends and lovers true.