TOPAZ
And this is my little bit (from Mexico). Small, but nicely formed!
Aluminium fluorohydroxysilicate This mineral occurs in well-formed prismatic crystals, which can be of great size, and may weigh over 100 kilogrammes. Topaz can also form in massive, granular and columnar habits. The colour of this mineral is very variable: it may be white, colouless, grey, yellow, orange, brown, bluish, greenish, purple or pink. Much colourless topax is irradiated and heat-treated to a range of blues, some almost indistinguishable from dquamarine when seen with the naked eye. Some topaz has tear-shaped cavities, containing a gas bubble or several immiscible (non-mixing) liquids. Topaz occurs in igneous rocks such as pegmatites, granites, and volcanic lavas. It may also be found in alluvial deposits as waterworn pebbles. Localities include Brazil, the USA, Sri Lanka, Burma, the former USSR, Australia, Tasmania, Pakistan, Mexico, Japan and Africa. In the 17th century the Braganza diamond (1,640 carats) in the Portuguese crown was thought to be the largest diamond ever found. This was never confirmed and it is now believed to have been a colouless topaz. The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire. Hardness: 8
a beautiful specimen of topaz in a solidified volcanic ash matrix and sprinkled with quartz. This was given to me by Rob Kulakofsky of the Arizona Mineral Company.
and this is a beaooooooootiful Swiss blue facetted peardrop topaz which I recently acquired!
this one too! Marchise, I think they call this shape.
| Topaz helps to overcome stress and soothes nerves thereby helping one to achieve a deeper sleep. It is also good for colds and flu. Strengthens blood vessels, improves blood circulation, varicose veins, sense of taste. Good for liver trouble. Improves the intellect, develops psychic abilities, calms both mind and body. |
| From the Aberdeen Bestiary Project The ninth foundation is topaz; this stone, although it is multi-coloured, has two colours especially, gold and a clear colour, as the Glossator of Exodus, 34, says: And it is touched by the splendour of the sun. It exceeds all other gemstones in clearness; its appearance is singularly pleasing to those who look at it; if it were polished, it would be dulled; left to its own nature, it is clearer; it is the largest of stones; and it is cherished by kings. Topaz signifies contemplation. The love with which contemplation burns, colours it gold; the understanding which illuminates contemplation, gives it its clear colour. In contemplation the Lord is seen more clearly; and men are more especially drawn to his love when they are open to it. Their nature is such that, if they are embellished by the honours of this world, they see less clearly, because, like Martha, they have many distractions. This stone shines with every colour, because contemplation shines with the splendour of every virtue. It is the biggest of stones, because contemplation expands the heart greatly, and those who are truly kings think nothing of the flesh. It is placed in the ninth position, because contemplation aligns contemplative men with the nine orders of angels. Verse Topaz comes from the island of the same name. It is all the more precious as it is rare. The land of the Arabs, rich in stones, produces it. Topaz is saffron coloured, like amber, but more pleasing and it prevents a pot from boiling over; placed in the mouth of a thirsting man it removes his thirst. Topaz gets its name from the island, Topazos, where it is found. It is valued more because it has two kinds of radiance: one the colour of gold; the other, clearer. It is quite good for piles; it is said to feel the pull of the moon; and it causes water to stop boiling. It comes from Arabia. |