Meaning & symbolism
Topaz is an aluminium silicate containing fluorine, a mineral separate from quartz. It grows in granite pegmatites and rhyolite cavities and comes in yellow, golden, sherry, imperial orange, pink, brown, blue and colourless forms. Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is the classic source of imperial topaz. Yellow quartz was long sold under the name topaz, so many older November topaz pieces are in fact citrine.
Healing properties
Geology
- Aluminium fluorosilicate, orthorhombic
- Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
- Specific gravity about 3.5, refractive index about 1.61 to 1.64
- Mohs 8, perfect basal cleavage
Traditional associations
- Clear intention
- Calm confidence
- November birthstone with citrine
How to use it
Traditionally worn as a pendant or earrings near the body, kept on a desk while setting goals, or held in meditation focused on the solar plexus. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
Cleansing & care
Hard (Mohs 8) but with one perfect cleavage, so a sharp knock can split it. Clean with warm soapy water, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and sudden temperature changes. Some brown and sherry topaz fades in sunlight: store it in the dark.
Questions & answers
No. Topaz is an aluminium fluorosilicate and citrine is quartz. Topaz is harder, about a third heavier for its size and has a perfect cleavage. Citrine was long sold under names such as Madeira topaz.
