The word Topaz has different origins. Some believe that it is derived from Topazos, a small island in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by this name and others believe that it comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "fire."
Topaz is a mineral occurring in rhombic prisms and is available in a range of magnificent colors — yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones. Some also appear colorless and others black. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial Topaz named after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones.
Esteemed for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in ancient times were called topaz — often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown). Even with the confusion, topaz accumulated an impressive body of alleged healing properties. It was often used to promote wisdom in its wearer because of its reputation of increasing understanding, enhancing creativity, bringing relaxation and restoring energy.
Topaz is associated with the values of strength, wisdom, and courage.
The name Citrine derives from the French word ‘Citrin,’ which means lemon. Despite having different golden hues — which ranges from yellow to orange — the gemstone is still often associated to the famous citrus fruit lemon, which on the other hand is only yellow.
Citrines are formed through a heat treatment of Amethyst and Smoky Quartz; this commonly happens on areas near volcanoes where the stones are heated naturally. In modern times, most Citrines are formed by heat-treating purple Amethyst and can also be produced by heat-treating Smoky Quartz from certain places. Its color differs based on different temperatures. At a low temperature, Citrine’s shade changes from light yellow to golden yellow, while at higher temperature it will obtain a dark yellow to brown-red color. Citrine is one of the most used gemstone after Amethyst and it is one of the most popular gems from the Quartz family.
Thousands of years ago, Citrine was able to captivate many people for its rarity and tough characteristics. It was believed to metaphysically increase and magnify personal power and energy, also described as a joyful stone with bright energy that lights up many aspects of lives to those who work with it or wear it.
Citrine is associated with energizing good fortune and good luck that may appear in unexpected ways.