Concept in Definition ABC

Topaz is a mineral with little presence in nature. It is formed from the crystallization of magma. It is a nesosilacate with a tetahedron-shaped structure. Although its most characteristic color is yellow, it also comes in other colors, such as green, pink or blue. Its variety of colors makes it easily confused with other minerals, for example with quartz, phenakite, zircon or diamond. Regarding its hardness, it has a value of 8 in the scale Mohs (talc is the least hard mineral with a value of 1 and diamond is the most resistant, with a value of 10).

Traditionally, topaz has been used as a precious stone in jewelry, although in In recent years it is also used in the field of gem therapy, the knowledge that is based on the supposed Energy of the stones.

Etymology and presence of topaz in culture

From the point of view of etymology, the word topaz comes from the Latin topazium, which in turn is a loan from the Greek word topazos. The first testimony of the word appeared in the Natural History of Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD. C. East

historian and Roman naturalist attributed the name of this stone to the Topazos island in the Red Sea (at present it is called Zabargad or San Juan Island and is part of Egypt).

Gemstones have been associated with supernatural powers since ancient times. In this sense, the Egyptians believed that the color of topaz was a characteristic that came from Ra, the sun god. The Greeks considered that this striking mineral had healing properties and was beneficial for eyesight, asthma or to cure hemorrhages. It was also used as an amulet or talisman. It must be borne in mind that in the ancient world medicine was impregnated with an occult and esoteric vision. On the other hand, in the Old Testament there are references to the Temple of Jerusalem, which was adorned with precious stones (sapphires, emeralds and topaz, among other valuable stones).

In the Middle Ages topaz was associated with force mental and creativity of its carrier. In the Middle Ages, crystallomancy was consolidated, a divination technique that is based on the structure and the characteristics of precious stones (according to crystal divination, topaz is related to the leadership). In the 19th century, deposits of this stone were discovered in Russia and in a few years the tsars became fond of wearing it in their palaces. At present there are esoteric currents that consider that precious stones have positive energies and at the same time Such energies are related to the forces of the universe (blue topaz enhances spirituality and light topaz purifies the emotions).

Its variety of colors has created more than one confusion (the 18th century Braganza topaz found in Brazil and belonging to the Portuguese Crown was initially considered a diamond).

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Themes in Topaz