Topaz gets its name from the island Topazios in the Red Sea. Topazios is a Greek word meaning to guess. This suited the island well as it was often obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. The ancient Greeks believed topaz bestowed strength to its wearer. It was worn as an amulet to ward off enhancement, dispel sadness and strengthen intellect. Topaz was believed to assure beauty, fidelity and long life. Until the late 16th century all yellow stones were called topaz. Topaz occurs naturally in many colors; yellow, orange, brown, red, pink, light blue, pale green, and colorless. The blue shades (sky, Swiss and London) are very popular in jewelry today. Sources include Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, the US, Sri Lanka and Russia. Some of the yellow, orange and brown topaz are heated to produce pink or red. All blue topaz is irradiated and/or heated to attain its blue color. Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November. Blue topaz is designated for the 4th wedding anniversary while imperial topaz is given for the 23rd.
HARDNESS: 8
R.I.: 1.619-1.627
TOUGHNESS: Poor
S.G.: 3.53 (+/- .04)
Citrine is a variety of the mineral quartz. Most citrines are hot treated amethysts or smoky quartz. Natural citrines (unenhanced) are mostly a pale lemon yellow color. The name citrine is derived from the French word “citron”, which means lemon. Citrines are found primarily in Brazil. They are available in a wide variety of shades ranging from pale yellow, to gold, to Madeira, which is orange to brownish orange.
HARDNESS: 7
R.I.: 1.544-1.553
TOUGHNESS: Good
S.G.: 2.66 (=/- .01)
