Imperial Topaz: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Imperial Topaz Overview
Imperial Topaz is a beautiful gemstone that is part of the topaz family. It is the rarest form of Topaz that has come into prominence in recent history.
This guide will help you learn everything there is to know about imperial Topaz: where it comes from, its meaning and symbolism, and how to care for this type of crystal when using it for healing purposes.
What Is Imperial Topaz?
The Imperial Topaz crystal is a golden-yellow variety of Topaz’s gemstone family. Topaz crystals are aluminum silicate compounds found in pegmatites, high-temperature quartz veins, and rhyolite and granite cavities.
Artificial Topaz has been manufactured in lab conditions of high pressures up to a hundred kbar and extreme temperatures of around a thousand-degree celsius.
When it comes to the color of this stone, there are many different options. A bright golden yellow that reminds people of the sun is the most popular. However, you can also find imperial Topaz in other colors like champagne, orange or brown.
Historical Importance
In the middle ages, the Romans thought Topaz was associated with Jupiter, the God of the heavens, and used it to pay homage to him.
The Egyptians believed that the golden topaz stone was colored by the ancient sun god, Ra. Imperial Topaz has great historical significance in Russia. It was likely first discovered in the mid-1700s during the mining rush.
When this beautiful gemstone was brought before the ruler of the time, the Czar, he was so impressed by its elegance that he chose to restrict access only to the royal family.
Later, he is cited as using the Imperial Topaz as a gift to those favored by the royal family. The significance given to this orange variety of Topaz is why it is now commonly called the “Imperial” Topaz. This gem was found in the jewelry of 18th and 19th-century Russian Czars.
Pronunciation And Etymology
Wearing topaz jewelry has been popular since ancient times. The gem was named after Topasos (Greek: “Topazios”) Island in the Red Sea, where it is thought to have originated.
Since there wasn’t a strict classification system in antique times, Topaz most likely referred to various gems, such as the Peridot gemstone.
Imperial Topaz is pronounced /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əl ˈtəʊ.pæz/.
Where Can You Find It?
Beautiful golden topaz stones are mined worldwide in places like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Mexico.
However, the primary producers of this particular variety of Topaz are the towns of Ouro Preto, Rodrigo Silva, and Dom Bosco in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Traditionally, only topaz mined from that location is considered genuine Imperial Topaz. Other locations include:
- Brazil: Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto
- Russia: Chelyabinsk Oblast
- Zambia: North West Province
Appearance
This variety of Topaz is extremely sought after and has a beautiful golden-orange coloration. In addition, Imperial Topaz shows red dichroism, making it a bit unique among other topaz crystals. It shows a pinkish tint in incandescent light. Other varieties of topaz, like Pink topaz or Blue topaz, show radiant colors in daylight or fluorescent light.
It is a translucent gemstone that shows a perfect cleavage quality. It’s an eye-catching gemstone that can be used in various types of jewelry. Its color is the most attractive feature, but its luster and durability are equally important. The causes of this beautiful color are the chromium impurities found within its structure. Chromium is also found in other orange-colored stones.
Physical Properties
The Imperial Topaz crystal has a hexagonal crystal structure and is transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through it. It has a vitreous luster and a Mohs hardness of 8.
| Mineral Group | Topaz |
| Formula | Al2(SiO4)(F, OH)2 |
| Color | Yellow, Golden |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.609 – 1.643 |
| Fracture | Uneven, Conchoidal |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Specific Gravity | 3.49 – 3.57 |
How To Tell If It Is Real?
Imperial Topaz garnet is an extremely rare gemstone, so many unscrupulous jewelers would sell a less expensive gem under its name.
Some scammers may use colored plastic or glass to make fake gemstones resembling it.
To spot a fake gemstone, look for these characteristics:
- Color Depth: Genuine gemstones possess a degree of variation in color throughout their bodies. A brightly colored gemstone uniform across its surface likely has been treated by some artificial coloring process—making it an impostor.
- Scratch Test: The Mohs hardness scale is a relative rating system that ranks minerals based on how easily other substances can scratch them. A harder mineral that is more scratch-resistant than another substance will not have scratches left on it by a softer material. So, when you try to scratch an Imperial Topaz that has a Mohs rating of 8 with a kitchen knife having a rating of 6.5, no scratches should be left. If you notice any, then it is not genuine.
- Acetone Test: Place the crystal in an acetone bath. If it has been artificially colored, you will notice a stain in the acetone solution after a few minutes of soaking. This happens because artificial dyes are soluble in acetone. Natural gemstones shouldn’t release color in this solution.
- Transparency: If you see an opaque gem that is not see-through, it could be a cheaper stone that is artificially colored to look like an Imperial Topaz. Many gemstones are translucent or transparent, which is difficult to replicate when dying. Therefore, this is an excellent way to determine whether your gem is real or fake.
If you are unsure whether your gemstone is natural or not, have it tested by an expert. They will be able to tell if the stone’s optical character matches that of other stones in their database. They also check other metrics such as hardness, crystal structure, polarization, etc.
Cost And Value
Imperial Topaz is an extremely rare gemstone only found in a handful of mines worldwide. The primary producers of these gemstones are Russia and Brazil. The value of this gem depends on its size and quality. The most common color is golden-yellow, but pink, brown, or orange are also available.
Different stones are worth different prices. On an international scale, experts use four factors to determine a gemstone’s value:
- Its weight in carats.
- It’s cut (how well it was crafted and polished).
- The number of imperfections in it.
- It’s color.
Carat
Large stones are rare and more difficult to mine than smaller ones, making them a scarcer resource.
Most Imperial Topaz gemstones sold by gem dealers weigh around 17 Ct; the largest documented specimen weighed 160 Ct. However, you can also find cheaper gems around the 2 Ct mark.
Cut
For an uncolored gemstone, the cut is the most critical factor in determining its value. A professionally cut gem will reflect light better than a poorly cut gem, meaning it looks better to the customers and commands a higher market price.
In the case of colored gems, color plays a more significant role in determining the value than the quality of the cut. Gemstones having deep vibrant colors will typically be worth more than dull-colored stones, even if the way they are cut isn’t up to par.
Clarity
A gem’s clarity is determined by its inclusions’ number, type, and visibility. Some gems—like Rutilated Quartz — derive most of their value from patterns in these flaws rather than their absence.
A few minor imperfections in a gemstone can affect its value. The quality of a gem’s cut partially determines its clarity.
So if you have a poorly-cut inclusion-free stone that lacks sparkle, its worth might be less than one with more imperfections and excellent cutting. This gem has very few inclusions, making it more “eye-clean” and desirable.
Color
The color of a non-transparent gemstone is the most significant factor in determining its value; Its intensity, continuity, and pattern all play vital roles.
- Intensity: Vibrant stones are more desirable than dull-colored ones. A bright orange gemstone will command a higher asking price compared to the same stone but in a duller coloration.
- Continuity: The clarity of a gemstone is related to its continuity. If the color in an otherwise beautifully cut stone is interrupted by blemishes or other imperfections, it will not look as good and therefore be worth less.
- Pattern: The pattern found on a gemstone is a significant factor determining its value. If a gem has an intricate or unusual design, it will be more sought-after by jewelers and consumers alike—which in turn, makes those stones more expensive.
The color of a stone is often what makes it so desirable, so if you have a bright green emerald or fiery red ruby, you’ve got yourself a valuable gem. The most expensive colored gemstones are those with vivid and intense colors. For example, the world’s most expensive diamond is the Blue Diamond. These diamonds have impurities in their crystal structure that give them a blue color.
The critical point is that some colors are more valuable than others. A red diamond is not as expensive as a blue one, as blue is considered a more desirable color.
Chakra Connection
The Imperial Topaz stone is connected to three charkas; Solar Plexus, Sacral, and Root.
Solar Plexus Chakra
The most vital connection of the Imperial Topaz is with the Solar plexus chakra.
The Manipura chakra is located in the middle of the body, in your abdominal area. It is related to confidence and control.
Sacral Chakra
This crystal is also closely related to the sacral chakra due to its orange hue.
This chakra, also called Swadhishtana, is located in the abdominal region of the human body, near the perineum. It is related to creativity and sexuality.
Root Chakra
This Topaz’s connection to the root chakra is a bit tenuous, but it is still there.
The Root chakra, also called Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine. It is related to the color red and the element of Earth. Furthermore, it influences stability and support of one’s life.
Which Birthstone Is It?
This stone is the birthstone for those born in September. However, it is also the zodiacal stone for Saggitarius.
Therefore, when people born in September, November, or December use this gemstone, its effects are enhanced. This is why it makes a good gift for those people.
Meaning And Uses
Imperial Topaz is a powerful stone known for its many properties. The imperial family understood the benefits of this stone and wanted to utilize it for themselves. Some of its powers are given below.
Stone Of Control
This gem is a powerful stone relating to controlling different aspects of your life.
People who wear this stone regularly experience an increase in self-confidence and notice an improvement in their daily life. They can talk better, speak more authoritatively, and make better judgments.
Stone Of Creativity
Topaz is a stone of creativity. It helps you in the process of writing and creating art. It also allows you to express your feelings and emotions through writing or creative expression.
Artists and writers with creative roadblocks often use this stone to overcome difficulties. It brings inspiration to mind and gives birth to new ideas.
It can also be used to help with focus, concentration, and memory. It is said that wearing this stone can improve your creativity by stimulating the right side of the brain (which controls creative functions).
Stone Of Sexuality
Some people may consider the topic of sexuality taboo, but it is an important part of an adult’s life. It is said that this stone can be used to help clear up issues with your sex drive and libido.
This stone is said to bring an emotional balance to your life, as well as an increase in self-love. It helps the wearer accept their body and all of its functions.
Stone Of Stability
This crystal is helpful in bringing about a more stable lifestyle. It helps you bring permanent changes to your daily schedule. New years resolutions are often forgotten after a few months. However, wearing Imperial Topaz earrings or carrying a cabochon can reduce the chances of demotivation.
Having an Imperial Topaz stone on your person makes you less susceptible to stress, depression, and anxiety. It helps you remain calm even in the most challenging situations.
How To Clean Imperial Topaz Jewelry?
Taking care of your Imperial Topaz jewelry will help it retain its beauty for a more extended period.
- Make a solution using lukewarm water and soap. Then place the desired piece of jewelry in it for a few minutes to soften the dirt.
- Remove the jewelry from your cleaning solution, then rinse it gently. You may need to scrub stubborn stains off with a soft toothbrush.
- Afterward, gently polish the gem with a microfiber cloth and dry it thoroughly.
- You can hold the jewelry over the burning sage to remove the negative energy that your stone absorbs over time. Another method is to give it a saltwater bath from a feng shui fountain. This will cleanse the stone and prime it for future use. There are other cleansing methods as well that you can use depending on your situation.
- After a thorough cleansing, you need to recharge your gemstone to make it as good as new. You can do so by burying it underground to absorb the Earth’s energy or placing it under the full moon overnight. You might want to try a different method if your gem isn’t getting a proper recharge.
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With It?
Imperial Topaz is an aluminum-based semi-precious gemstone. One of the best match-ups for this gem is with another aluminum-based stone, such as Andalusite or Kyanite.
Andalusite is an aluminum silicate stone whose color ranges from green to yellow. These stones are associated with the Heart Chakra or the Sacral Chakra. Combined with the Sacral/Root chakra connection of the Imperial Topaz, they act harmoniously and add incredible value to the wearer’s life. Not only is their color scheme compatible, but their properties are also.
On the other hand, Kyanite, a blue-colored aluminum silicate crystal, also makes a good pair with it. It is mainly connected to the third eye or throat chakra. These chakras connect to honesty, communication, and spirituality. The Kyanite stone helps you look into the future, and the Imperial Topaz gem tethers you to the present and provides you with stability.
Imperial Topaz also pairs well with other precious topaz varieties or even quartz gems like Rutile quartz.
What Is Imperial Topaz Good For?
This crystal is a stone of creativity and stability. It is good for artists and creators looking for a consistent inspiration source.
Furthermore, it is a good stone for those who quickly get stressed and anxious. Imperial Topaz helps you stay calm and focused in your everyday life.
You can also use this crystal to improve your concentration and memory skills. It clears confusion from the mind, allowing you to make better decisions with clarity.
What Are The Healing Properties Of Imperial Topaz?
Imperial Topaz is not primarily a healing stone. However, it has some limited effectiveness in treating ailments related to the GIT, liver, kidneys, and other organs within the area.
This stone stabilizes your emotions, bringing peace and calm to your life. It also improves your concentration and can help you stay focused in stressful situations. Many people also utilize it to get rid of headaches and stomachaches.
Is Imperial Topaz Heat Treated?
Genuine Imperial Topaz gemstones are entirely untreated. Exposure to heat can lead to loss of color. They are no longer considered genuine if they are irradiated to give them color.
How to Use Imperial Topaz?
It can be worn as a pendant, ring, and earring or placed in one’s home. It is recommended to carry it on your person if you want to see personal effects. But if you want it to affect your family and friends as well, placing it in the home is the best option.
People going through depression, under a lot of stress, or people who need clarity in their life make good use of this gemstone. Furthermore, people in creative fields can gain many benefits from it as well.
It is also helpful for those trying to improve their lifestyle and avoid bad habits. It can help them focus on their goals and achieve them.
This stone works well with other stones related to the Root chakra.
