What Is Topaz?
Topaz is a gemstone renowned for its wide range of brilliant colors. It is commonly found in igneous rocks and lava flows, where it forms large and well-defined crystals suitable for cutting and polishing.
Topaz Meaning
Historically, topaz has been associated with various meanings and powers. The name "topaz" is thought to originate from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire, or from the Greek "Topazios," the ancient name for St. John's Island in the Red Sea, a location known for peridot that was often confused with topaz. In ancient times, people believed that topaz could protect them from harm and enhance their physical strength. Today, topaz is seen as a symbol of love and affection, and often given as a gift on anniversaries. It is also the birthstone for November.
Topaz Color
Topaz crystals are typically prismatic and can exhibit a variety of colors depending on the presence of impurities and treatment processes. While commonly colorless, topaz can be found in hues such as blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple.
It can also exhibit multiple hues within a single stone due to its pleochroism, which means it shows different colors when viewed from different angles. This characteristic further enhances the beauty and complexity of topaz, making it a highly desirable gemstone for all types of jewelry.
Topaz Treatment
Most topaz gemstones are irradiated and/or heat treated to achieve optimal color results. Heat treatment alone changes yellow, orange, or brown hues into pink shades, while irradiation followed by heat treatment produces various shades of blue from colorless stones.
Topaz Properties
Mohs Hardness
8
Mineral
Topaz
Refractive Index
1.619 to 1.627
Topaz Price
The price of topaz varies depending on its color, size, and quality. Blue topaz, being more common, is generally more affordable. Imperial Topaz and other rare colors can command prices from a few hundred to a few thousand per carat, depending on saturation and clarity.
Topaz Origins
Topaz is commonly sourced from Brazil, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Brazil is the largest producer, particularly known for its rich deposits of Imperial Topaz. Other notable sources include the United States, Mexico, and Sri Lanka.
Topaz Facts
- The largest faceted topaz weighs over 22,000 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
- Imperial Topaz, with its golden-yellow to reddish-orange hue, is one of the most expensive and sought-after colors. It was named in honor of the Russian Czars of the 17th century.
- Topaz is traditionally given as a gift for the 4th wedding anniversary.
- Topaz crystals have been found in meteorites, suggesting that this gemstone can form in space.
Topaz Cleaning & Care Tips
To maintain the beauty of your topaz gemstone, clean it regularly with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Wear with care and store topaz jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
