Yellow Topaz (Sunehla)

About this Yellow Topaz (Sunehla)

A single yellow topaz of 7.00 carats, with an origin of Brazil and a treatment of natural, both as described by the supplier. Topaz is an aluminium silicate mineral in its own right, distinct from both quartz and sapphire, and it occurs in a range of colours from colourless to blue, pink and the yellow to golden-brown of this stone. In India yellow topaz is sold as Sunehla, and in Jyotish it is a widely used upratna, or substitute stone, for yellow sapphire (Pukhraj).

Because it stands in for Pukhraj, Sunehla follows similar customs: a gold setting, the index finger, and a first wearing on a Thursday after sunrise, ideally in Shukla paksha, the bright half of the lunar month. Some lineages accept silver or panchdhatu for substitute stones. Classical texts describe Jupiter as the guru of the gods and associate it with wisdom, teachers, children and dharma.

You receive the loose stone; no setting is included. Topaz rates 8 on the Mohs scale, so it resists scratching, but it has perfect cleavage, which means a sharp blow in the wrong direction can split it. A setting that covers its corners, and taking the ring off for heavy work, matter more than its hardness alone suggests.

Some astrologers use substitute stones readily and others not at all. Ask an astrologer who has studied your chart whether topaz, sapphire or neither is appropriate for you.

Astrological significance

Jupiter is the greatest natural benefic in Jyotish and the karaka of wisdom, teachers and dharma. Yellow topaz is used as a substitute for yellow sapphire where Jupiter is to be strengthened, usually when it rules the ascendant or a trine, or during a Jupiter dasha. Some astrologers do not use substitutes at all, and no ascendants are recorded for this listing, so have your chart read before choosing between topaz and sapphire.

Care & first wear

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners, and avoid sudden temperature changes, since topaz can crack along its cleavage. Remove the ring before sport or manual work, and store it separately in a soft pouch.