History Referred to as a "designer gemstone," the mystic fire topaz is dazzling. They were first created in 1998 by a company called Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. This company created a new variety of topaz by placing a thin layer of titanium along the bottom of a natural white topaz, creating a prism of colors as light passes through the stone. By 2003, mystic fire topaz earrings and other pieces were flying out of the cases.
The topaz has a long history. It is believed that topaz was used as a part of the gates of Jerusalem. The Romans so revered the topaz that they dedicated it to Jupiter, the god above all gods in Roman mythology. Like so many other gemstones, the topaz is steeped in lore and mysticism. One of the beliefs is that by wearing a topaz, you are protected from sudden death. It is also believed to improve mood and maybe even fertility. Whether you believe in the mystical properties of the topaz, it can't hurt to wear a mystical fire topaz pendant.
If natural topaz could elicit this type of adoration and belief, imagine what the ancients would have thought of the vibrant rays of color emitted from the mystic fire topaz. Who knows what mystical properties they would have applied to this variation?
November Birthstone Though it is called a designer gemstone, the mystic fire topaz is still a natural topaz. Its chemical make-up has not been changed and as such, it is considered a birthstone for November. Everyone is familiar with the yellow and blue topaz varieties, but surprise them with a sparkling multi-colored mystic fire topaz bracelet or, add more sparkle with a mystic fire topaz diamond ring. Though the mystic fire topaz sparkles on its own, diamonds are a great way to dress up any gemstone.
Caring for your mystical fire topaz Because of the layer of titanium that is used to create the color effects of a mystical fire topaz, you should use care when cleaning your jewelry. Though it is an 8 on the hardness scale, chemicals and abrasive cleaning can damage the finish on the stone. So, gently polishing it and a soak in warm water and soap is the best method.
The slightest scratch to the bottom of the stone where the titanium is can damage the color of your mystic fire topaz earrings. Heat can also damage the titanium layer so avoid steamers and hot water when cleaning your mystic fire topaz diamond ring. Sure the diamond can take it, but you don't want to ruin the prism of color that the mystic fire topaz is known for.
Whether you are celebrating your birthday or just appreciate a beautiful and unique style of jewelry, the mystic fire topaz is the way to go. In silver or gold, it makes a bold statement. Mystic fire topaz and diamond bracelets sparkle with fire, but diamonds aren't necessary. A mystic fire topaz bracelet on its own is dazzling.
Topaz has a wealth of ancient history and folklore attached to it and can be found on the market in a variety of colors. The stone can be found in such diverse locations as Russia, Brazil, Central Asia, the American West and the island of Sri Lanka. Though this stone is relatively hard it should be protected when worn as a gemstone since its near-perfect cleavage makes it susceptible to breakage. The color of natural topaz stone is most often colorless to yellow but can be treated to achieve many different colors though this stone can often be mistaken for yellow corundum otherwise referred to as sapphire or for citrine. Topaz can be cut into a variety of beautiful and unique shapes, forms and facets rivaling those of diamonds and other hard precious stones.
History
Stones mined in Russia were often pink in color and were once considered the sole property of the Czars in the nineteenth century and were referred to as imperial topaz. The known history of this stone dates back some three thousand years to ancient Greece and was sometimes referred to as topazos which means seeking or to seek. Topaz was very often confused with peridot stones and all stones that were yellow in color were once referred to as topaz. This stone has often been associated with sun in ancient cultures including the Romans who dedicated it to the sun god Saturn.
Birthstone Information
Yellow topaz is the birthstone of November and is associated with the astrological birth sign of Sagittarius. Blue stones are the birthstones of the month of December though blue stones do not occur naturally and are the result of a color enhancement process using irradiation.
New Age Beliefs and Powers Through The Ages
In a strange paradox of ancient beliefs, the Romans believe that this stone could, among other things, improve ones eyesight. In contrast the ancient Greeks believed that topaz could render the wearer invisible. The ancient Greeks also ascribed an increase in strength to the wearing of this stone. Like many other stones, topaz is thought to ward off physical illness and improve mental health. Some even thought that this stone could prevent the sudden onset of death. In the New Age community, blue stones aid the wearer in interpersonal communication and can aid in preventing a variety of diseases and illness.
Artificial Forms of Enhancement
Heat is sometimes used as an artificial form of enhancement which can cause a pale blue stone to fade and become colorless. If a brown stone contains chromium the color can be changed to pink or violet when heated. Stones that have been exposed to a process of irradiation turn blue.
General Scientific Information
The chemical name Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 also referred to as aluminum fluorosilicate.
Topaz is generally colorless but can be found in colors ranging from a pale blue to yellow, pink and sometimes brown.
Hardness measures 8 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.
The cleavage is perfect. The Birefringence is weak and ranges from 0.008 to 0.011. The index of Refraction is ranges from 1.606 to 1.638 and generally indicates the purity of the stone. The Specific Gravity is ranges from 3.4 to 3.6. The Crystalline System is orthorhombic.
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Andrew Stratton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Motorola Cell Phone, Tummy Tucks Before and After and Political and Social. A dazzling designer gemstone, the mystic fire topaz is the birthstone for those born in November and makes a great gift for that special person in your life, For more. Andrew Stratton's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popularjewelry site: