Is Mystic Topaz Really a Crystal?

 Mystic topaz might seem like just another pretty name given to quartz, but this beautiful stone has some interesting properties that are worth looking into. But does mystic topaz really live up to its name? And what makes it different from plain old quartz? It all comes down to the structure of the stone and the process used to get it that way. Let’s take a look at what makes mystic topaz so special and why it deserves its very own name!

 

What is Mystic Topaz?

When most people think of crystals, they imagine clear quartz points and shiny gemstones. Many don’t think about semi-precious gemstones and much less are familiar with mystic topaz. But in reality, mystic topaz is just as crystal as any other crystal because it has similar properties and uses. In fact, it’s one of many forms of quartz! For more information on how to use your mystic topaz crystals for maximum benefit, please read on! And for more information on all things healing crystals, check out my new book Healing Crystals: Using Healing Crystals to Improve Your Health. You can find all kinds of fascinating facts here.

 

How the Mystic Topaz Myth Began

Mystic topaz is an especially rare and very precious gemstone. However, it's not technically a crystal at all. In fact, it takes more than 150 years for mystic topaz to form naturally. The original name of mystic topaz was called brazilianite, but when it became so popular in jewelry shops, jewelers decided to rename it after its signature orange color: mystic topaz. To read more about mystical topaz and its unique properties, visit our post What Makes Mystic Topaz So Special?

 

Common Properties of Crystals

We define crystal as any solid formed by natural processes where mineral atoms are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern. If you look through your quartz collection, you might notice that some of your crystals are clear and others have different colors; each has its own unique internal structure and external appearance. Whether they’re amethyst, citrine, or topaz (and other common varieties), you’ll find their chemical compositions vary slightly but not dramatically.

 

Why So Many People Get it Wrong About Mystic Topaz

When it comes to crystals, mystic topaz is one of those underrated onyx stone. It isn’t as popular as other, more prominent stones like amethyst or tourmaline but it has its own following. While its best-known use is to unblock energy channels in your body (also known as chakras), some people use them for protection against electromagnetic fields from cell phones and other sources. So what are these gemstones actually made of? Are they crystal gems or not at all? What are they used for? Let’s take a look at what exactly mystic topaz is and why many people wrongly call it that.

 

Where Does Mystic Topaz Come From?

Mystic topaz is most commonly found in Brazil, but it can also be found in a number of other countries, including Afghanistan, Australia, Mexico and India. Mystic topaz is typically found in large quantities as an inclusion (or inclusion crystal) within smoky quartz or milky quartz. Inclusions are minerals that have been trapped inside of another mineral while it was growing; during cutting or polishing, you'll see the outside layer of rock peeled away to reveal the gem-quality stone hiding within. Some examples of inclusion crystals include moonstone and agate; in mystic topaz’s case, you might also find rubies or citrine. Whatever is trapped inside typically makes up 10 percent or less of total volume.

 

How Do I Choose Good Mystic Topaz?

There are four different types of topaz, and each of them can come in multiple colors. However, all four types are quartz crystals. This can make it tricky to determine whether your mystic topaz is actually real crystal—or just a type of topaz with pretty coloring. Luckily, there are some ways to tell if your mystic topaz is real gemstone or not. Follow these steps when deciding whether or not you have high-quality piece