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.
Precious topaz can occur in many colours, but the most highly prized
are the golden/sherry/peachy colours, usually from Brazil. Sometimes topaz are
heat treated to produce a pink topaz. The golden/brown shades are sometimes
confused with citrines which occur in a similar range of colours, but which are
an entirely different mineral, quartz, & consequently much less expensive.
Topaz can also be colourless or blue and is often heat treated to
produce a range of blues from palest aquamarine shades through to a vivid sky
blue.
Whatever the colour, topaz is a hard gemstone and takes a high polish,
which gives it durability and a lasting lustre.
There are many myths & legends surrounding topaz. The ancient
Egyptians believed it was coloured by the golden glow of the Sun God Ra. The
very name is thought to come from the Greek word “topazos” meaning “to shine”. The Greeks also believed is increased
strength & rendered the wearer invisible in times of need.
Legend has it that topaz can dispel enchantments, change colour when
poison is near, improve eyesight, cure insomnia & asthma and promote friendship,
love, fidelity and intelligence. Some ancient cultures even thought its power
waxed and waned with the moon, being at its most potent at full moon. If topaz
can do all that, we should definitely all be wearing one!
No comments:
Post a Comment