The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Topaz
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Topaz is a transparent silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine that is quite hard (8 on the Mohs scale). It is most recognizable as a golden-yellow stone, but other varieties include brown, blue, pink, green, and colorless. Deposits of topaz have been found in the United States, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

HISTORY/LORE

Up until the eleventh century the word topaz, which comes from the Greek Topazios, an island off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea, was used to describe green gemstones. (Topazios, also known as St. John’s Island, was an ancient source of the green gem peridot.) However, in his Liber de lapidibus (book of stones), Marbodus of Rennes (c. 1035—1123) stated that the color of topaz is yellow, and from then on this is how the stone was known. The twelfth-century German nun, writer, composer, philosopher, and mystic Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098—1179) wrote about the healing powers of topaz soaked in wine.

USES

Healing Uses: Topaz is a wonderful healing stone. It aids digestion, stimulates the metabolism, and combats eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Blue topaz assists with issues related to the throat and vocal cords.

Magical Uses: Topaz is very supportive in affirmation, manifestation, and visualization practices. Use topaz to make requests of the universe that you hope will manifest on the Earth plane. In the form of an amulet, topaz alleviates sadness and mood swings.

Feng Shui Uses: Topaz has a vibrant energy that replaces negativity with love and joy. This stone is most powerful in the center of a space or in the Health/Well-Being sector of the home.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Along with citrine, topaz is a birthstone for the month of November. It is a mellow, empathetic stone that promotes truth and forgiveness. When placed on the throat or third eye it enhances communication abilities. Use blue topaz during meditation to access the higher self. Pink topaz helps to break old patterns.