Topaz – a radiant gemstone with many colors
The name “topaz” probably comes from the Sanskrit word “tapaz”, which means fire or radiance. It was once believed that all yellow stones were topaz and that all topaz was yellow. The term was also often used for yellow stones that actually belong to other types of minerals. For example, yellow sapphires were also thought to be topaz and were called “oriental topaz”.
In the Renaissance, topaz was said to be able to break spells and suppress anger. In Hinduism, topaz was revered as a sacred stone and it was believed that a pendant with topaz could bring wisdom and long life.
Today, topaz is a popular gemstone for jewelry that can be bought in all colors.
The color variety of topaz
The most well-known are yellow and blue topazes, but they also come in pink, blue-green, red-orange and white. “Sherry-yellow” topazes come from Brazil and are considered particularly valuable.
With blue topaz, a distinction is made between three different shades:
- sky blue topaz (“sky-blue topaz”, light blue, almost pastel blue),
- Swiss blue topaz (“Swiss blue” topaz, light blue),
- London blue topaz (“London blue” topaz, dark blue with a slight green tinge)
The imperial topaz is a precious topaz. Its color ranges from champagne-colored to yellow to golden yellow. Exactly which colors it must have is still a matter of debate. Occasionally, reddish topaz is also labeled as imperial topaz.
Natural pink topaz is very valuable due to its rarity.
Confusion with other gemstones
Due to their many colors, topaz can easily be confused with other gemstones with the naked eye. Bright light blue topaz resembles Paraiba tourmaline and is therefore referred to as “Paraiba topaz”. Other blue topaz can often hardly be distinguished from aquamarine
Brilliant-cut colorless topaz is used as a diamond imitation. Topaz that is brownish-orange to yellow is often confused with smoky quartz or citrine quartz.
Origin & mining of topaz: from Brazil to Russia
Topaz is comparatively common: a large number of topaz rough stones have been found so far. The world's largest topaz weighs 271 kg.
In the 19th century, many topazes were mined in the Russian Ural Mountains. There, topaz was found in pink and orange shades. In honor of the Russian Czar, this gemstone was named “Imperial Topaz”.
In the mid-19th century, large topaz deposits were found in Brazil. Since then, topaz has been one of the more affordable gemstones.
Today, topaz from Brazil, Russia and Nigeria are mainly found on the market.
Use: Buy topaz for jewelry
Topaz is very often used for jewelry. The topaz stones from the Igneous Online Shop are also suitable for processing into unique jewelry. Its many colors and high hardness (8 on the Mohs hardness scale) make it a popular gemstone with goldsmiths and jewelers.
Would you like to give topaz in the form of jewelry? Then you have a variety of options: on the one hand, there are topaz in different colors and shapes, and on the other hand, you can use them for all kinds of jewelry, from rings, bracelets and bracelets to necklaces. If you find two similar stones, you can also have them made into earrings.
Depending on the color and taste, you can set topaz in silver, yellow or white gold. Framed by small diamonds or combined with other colored gemstones, topaz jewelry is particularly suitable for elegant occasions. Simple topaz pendants or rings, on the other hand, are ideal with sporty outfits.
According to the American Gem Society, topaz is a good choice for those born in November: it is the birthstone of the month of November.
Properties: hardness, inclusions & treatment
On the Mohs hardness scale, topaz has a hardness of 8. The scale ranges from one to ten, with one representing very soft minerals (talc) and 10 representing the hardest mineral, diamond.
Topaz is treated primarily to improve its color. In the 1960s, a process was developed to dye white topaz blue. As a result, there are a lot of blue topazes on the market today that are affordable for the general public.
Heat treatment is also used to treat inclusions. Regardless of the type of treatment, it must be stated in the certificate. The treatment affects the price. Untreated gemstones of high purity and color quality are more valuable than those that have been treated.
Most common cuts: facet and cabochon cuts
The most common cuts for topaz are the step and brilliant cut. The shapes are mainly octagonal, round and oval. Drop-shaped and square stones also occur.
In addition to faceted cuts, topaz is also cut into smooth cabochons.
