Which gemstone is associated with your birth month? What powers does it have? How can you best harness its energy? Tatler’s expert Joyce Tsang helps demystify birthstones and their properties
Topaz is a popular gem that’s usually thought to be yellow in colour, but in reality it comes in a plethora of shades: green, orange, red, pink and purple, and also occurs in a colourless form. Found primarily in Brazil, Mexico, Australia and the US, topaz has long been associated with mystical powers. The ancient Greeks used to think topaz gave them strength, while in the middle ages, people thought the gemstone could help break magic spells.
In Asia too, the stone is believed to possess mystical properties. According to folklore in Singapore, the Merlion—which symbolises the city’s origins—was said to have eyes adorned with topaz. This led to the belief that wearing topaz could bring prosperity and success. In Malaysia, wearing topaz is associated with promoting emotional well-being and restoring balance. In China, meanwhile, topaz used to be revered as a symbol of love and fidelity, and couples would exchange the gemstone as a testament of their commitment to each other.
Thailand also has its own unique historical legends associated with topaz. It was considered a sacred stone with protective qualities and would be used in amulets and talismans to ward off evil and promote spiritual growth.
Tatler speaks to Joyce Tsang, crystal healing expert and founder of crystal healing service Stone & Star, to understand if there’s any truth behind these superstitions, its energy influence, who should wear them and more.
Energy influence
Topaz is universally believed to help in finding true love, promoting creativity and attaining mental clarity. The stone is said to carry solar energy and is associated with joy, light and positive energy.
It is also considered to be a “crystal of potency” and is highly supportive of the laws of attraction and manifestation. Topaz is seen as a stone of prosperity and wealth, helping individuals absorb what is needed from the universe and prompting action to achieve their goals.
Different colours of topaz hold specific energetic influences. Blue topaz which is ideal for sun signs Sagittarius and Virgo, is believed to activate the throat chakra, enabling individuals to speak their dreams, desires and truth into existence. It is considered to support musicians, artists, writers, poets, inventors and those in need of continuous creativity.
Golden or champagne topaz is best worn by Sagittarius, Leo or Pisces. It supports the activation of lower chakras, including the root, sacral, solar plexus and crown chakras. It strengthens willpower, confidence and the ability to manifest in reality.
Clear topaz, which can be worn by all zodiac signs, enables mental focus and clarity, while purple topaz is high in spiritual energy and resonates with the third eye and crown chakras. It aids in seeking the truth and dispelling falsehoods.
In working with topaz, it is important to be in the highest vibration possible and set clear intentions to attract what is desired. Topaz is a powerful conductor of messages to the universe, relaying our intentions and bringing back the actualisation of those intentions into the physical plane.
In case you missed it: Julie Clody of Van Cleef & Arpels on the romance and history behind the maison’s dazzling Legend of Diamonds collection
