10 Things You Didn’t Know About Topaz

Topaz, the birthstone of November, the fire of our ancestors. Since its discovery, topaz has been recognized as a powerful manifestation stone which brings luck and good fortune in all aspects of life. As it relates best to the Solar Plexus chakra, it is a stone which motivates and strengthens our willpower, aligning and opening the energy center responsible for the driving force of our ambitions and endeavors. It instills focus, determination, and confidence to help us achieve whatever it is that we seek. Topaz inspires self-empowerment and mental clarity to assist in reaching those higher planes of consciousness. While it soothes, heals, and recharges, it promotes truth and forgiveness. This stone is known to bring joy, prosperity, success through motivation, and expanded awareness. With all its widespread and varying benefits, many truths and tales surround this captivating stone so let’s try to piece them together. Here are ten things you didn’t know about topaz. 

1. Topaz, the Origins of the Name 

Having been discovered thousands of years ago, there can be some confusion with the origin of the name Topaz. To narrow it down, two main trains of thought can be followed: the first comes from the ancient Hindu Sanskrit word tapas which means “fire”, a very possible origin given the stone’s association with the Egyptian Sun God Ra; the second comes from the old Greek word topazios, a small island in the Red Sea (topaz was at the time confused with peridot).    

2. Topaz in the Roman Era 

In the age of Roman rule, topaz was quite popular as a stone of strength. It was used widely as a talisman, mainly by roman prestige, to ward off pestilence as well as to protect the wearer during travel. It was also thought to prevent seasickness when travelling by ship or boat.  

3. Topaz in Hindu Folklore 

One of the oldest accounts of topaz in folklore comes from the Hindu lore of the sacred Kalpa tree. Also known as Kalpataru, it is a divine tree in the Hindu belief system which fulfills wishes. It is said that the King of Gods Indra returned from paradise with the Kalpa tree and beheld that it had branches made of topaz. 

4. Topaz, Superstition in History 

Many speculations and beliefs have existed since topaz’s discovery, and with good reason. In ancient Greece, it was believed that topaz gave strength and courage to the wearer, which would explain why it was so highly sought after. For centuries in India, people believed that wearing topaz over the heart would bring beauty, intelligence, and a long life. Later on in Europe during the renaissance, it was believed that topaz had the power to break magical curses and spells as well as the ability to dispel anger. 

5. Topaz in the Middle Ages 

Although it was still often mistaken for other gemstones, topaz was believed to possess many mystical powers as the world moved into the middle ages. Early gem cutters claimed that the stone possessed the power to cool boiling water, detect poison by fading in color, and produce light on its own. St. Hildegard of Bingen, 12th century Roman Catholic Saint, claimed that he often read scripture in dark chapels by the light of topaz.     

6. Topaz as a Diamond Alternative? 

Because people were still unaware of the fact that topaz existed in many different colors, the stone would often be mistaken for other precious gems. One of the most famous topaz stones of all time was a colorless crystal, mistaken for a diamond. The “Braganza” diamond was mined in Ouro Preto, Brazil in 1740 and weighing 1,640 carats, was set as an uncut diamond into the Portuguese Crown.   

7. Topaz, an Exclusive Royal Gem 

Known all around the globe as a precious must-have stone, topaz’s fame (imperial topaz to be specific) began in Russia. One of the largest topaz deposits in the world is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, as well as the discovery of this orange stone with reddish tints. At the discovery, the Russian Tsar immediately outlawed the sale of topaz outside the royal family, giving it the name “Imperial Topaz”.   

8. Topaz, Love and Dreams 

Along with its many spiritual benefits and aesthetic appeal, topaz is said to bestow a multitude of gifts upon the wearer. Well known as a stone of good fortune, topaz is said to show up in your dreams whenever good luck or a love affair is on the way. According to some tales, topaz is believed to bring good friendship and fidelity in relationships when worn constantly. It is also said to cure insomnia and relieve nightmares.  

9. Topaz in Physical Healing 

Topaz isn’t just a beautiful gemstone, but a very useful stone to have when it comes to physical health. It is said that topaz promotes a healthy spinal column, glandular system, and circulatory system. It is often used to treat bleeding and improve eyesight as well as to relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. As it is associated with healthy blood, it is also known to treat infections, inflammation, deafness, and hemorrhaging.  

10. Topaz, a Lunar Crystal 

Although associated with fire, warmth, and the Sun God Ra, topaz has also been linked to the moon and its phases. It is believed that its healing powers vary depending on the phase of the moon. It is also said that the color intensity of a topaz will fade and brighten as the moon waxes and wanes.     

Zodiac: Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius 

Planet: Mars

Element: Air 

Chakras: Solar Plexus, Sacral

Vibration Number: 6 

Healing Properties: good fortune, attraction, manifestation, insight, enlightenment, determination.