Topaz occurs in a range of different colours:  deep golden yellow topaz, referred to as ‘golden- or sherry topaz‘, pink or ‘imperial’, blue, green and colourless.

Topaz is considered precious by the African bushmen, being used in ceremonies for healing and for connecting with the spirits who have departed from this plane.

The stone is believed to bring health and wealth and to protect the holder against danger. In healing it is said to ‘activate‘ the lungs, preventing colds and tuberculosis, to improve eyesight and to relieve stress.
Some say that if you put a topaz under your pillow at night, it will soothe the nerves and energise the body during sleep.

Topaz is the birthstone for November, symbolising fidelity,
and the zodiac gem for Sagittarius (22 November to 21 December).

Crystal Structure:  Orthorhombic

Composition:  Aluminium fluorohydroxysilicate

Hardness:  8
Metaphysical Properties:  The topaz is known as a ‘stone of true love and success in all endeavours’.
It can promote individuality and creativity, while providing in confidence in trusting ones decisions. It acts to replace negativity with love and joyfulness.

This mineral is the ‘crystal of potency’, quite instrumental in visualisation (for healing and/or attracting), in meditation, and in projection. It helps one to absorb that which is needed from the universe, prompting receptivity and willingness to act. It helps one to creatively change ones personal world, enhancing awareness and inducing the states of expansiveness and manifestation.
Occurrence:  Topaz occurs in igneous rocks such as pegmatites, granites and volcanic lava. It may also be found in alluvial deposits as waterwarn pebbles. Localities include Brazil, USA, Sri Lanka, Burma, the former USSR, Australia, Tasmania, Pakistan, Mexico, Japan and Africa.
Remark:  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 colourless topaz. The name ‘topaz’ is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’, meaning fire.