electric blue topaz

ROPERTIES OF TOPAZ Topaz is a mineral that belongs to the group of silicates. Its chemical composition often contains inclusions of other metals such as iron, magnesium or titanium. Topaz has an orthorhombic crystal system, a conchoidal fracture, a vitreous luster, a white texture, and is transparent to translucent. Topaz comes in many colors and the gemstone can be colorless, green, blue, brown, purple, orange, red or gold.... The hardness of the gemstone is very high, reaching eight degrees on the Mohs scale. Its density varies between 3.49 and 3.57. As observed in some Brazilian mines, topaz crystals can reach very large sizes and weigh several kilograms. As mentioned above, the most famous topaz producers are located in Brazil, but the USA, France and Pakistan are also represented. THE HISTORY OF TOPAZ Although topaz has been known since ancient times, it has not always been called topaz. There are different opinions about the exact origin of this name. Some believe that the name Topaz comes from the ancient name of the island of Topaz. The island is located in the Red Sea and is known today as Zabargad (the Arabic name for Topaz). For other experts, the word Topazos is a fusion of the word "Topos Azos", which literally means "desert place" in ancient Greek. Another possible origin of the name Topaz is the Sanskrit term "tupas", which means fire and most likely refers to the luminous color of the stone. Almost all ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean seemed to believe in the supernatural powers of topaz. An amulet for the Egyptians, a stone that made it invisible to the Greeks, or a stone that gave invincible power to the Hebrews. In the Bible it is also mentioned as one of the stones used to fasten Aaron's breastplate. In another myth, Topaz is listed as one of the twelve stones used to build the