Topaz is a natural gemstone that can occur in cavities within granite, greisen, and rhyolitic rock, as well as within pegmatites and Quartz veins. Although Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale, it is also a brittle stone and should be handled carefully when carving or faceting. Topaz stones can be found in a wide range of colors: Colorless Topaz aka White Topaz, Blue Topaz, Green Topaz, Yellow Topaz aka Lemon Topaz, Orange Topaz, Brown Topaz aka Sherry Topaz, Pink Topaz, Purple Topaz aka Lavender Topaz, and Red Topaz. The trade name "Imperial Topaz" has been used around the world for warm-toned Topaz stones with particularly vibrant coloration and extreme clarity. Typically these Imperial Topaz gems are cut and polished for use in gemstone jewelry because of their exquisite beauty.
Mystic Topaz is created when a thin layer of titanium dioxide is applied to natural Colorless Topaz, imparting it with its iridescent rainbow sheen. As such, Mystic Topaz (aka Rainbow Topaz or Aura Topaz) is a treated stone since its spectacularly vibrant shine is only possible through human intervention and creativity.
Although the varying colors of Topaz often have their own spiritual meanings, all varieties of the gem are believed to assist in magical pursuits, concentration, and personal growth. Topaz is thought of as a sorcerer's stone, facilitating the natural flow of magical intent and energies. It speaks to the mind in a clear voice and it can encourage work with the Akashic Records. For those who want to discover new sources of inspiration and higher peaks of spiritual awareness, Topaz can be an incredible focal stone, promoting mental clarity, motivation, self confidence, and decisive action. For this reason, Topaz is often used when manifesting success, power, and elevation of status.
