TOPAZ
TOPAZ is a semiprecious gemstone made of aluminum and fluorine. It is frequently associated with golden yellow and blue, and can be found in a variety of colors including colorless and he rarest are natural pink, red, and fine reddish orange, known as Imperial Topaz.
Topaz is formed when fluorine-rich vapors are released during the final stages of igneous rock crystallization. It’s often found in cavities in rhyolites and granites, as well as in pegmatite dikes and high-temperature veins.
Clarity and size have a significant effect on the value of topaz, but color has the greatest impact on pricing.
The highest valued Topaz are the rare pink and red stones, then orange and yellow. Intense, reddish orange topaz is sometimes called “Imperial Topaz.” Yellow, orange, and brown stones are somewhat common. Colorless topazes are common and are low-value gems in any size
Because of topaz’s long association with the color yellow, citrines are sometimes misidentified as topazes. However, citrine is a quartz, a distinct gem species. Topaz has different physical and optical properties than citrine, most notably greater hardness and brilliance.
Due to topaz’s perfect cleavage, don’t use ultrasonic or steam systems to clean them. Both vibrations and heat could cause these gems to split. Instead, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water.
USES
Topaz can be used as a gemstone in jewelry, etc. Topaz in its natural state is colorless, but trace element impurities can make it pale blue or golden brown to yellow-orange. It can be treated with heat or radiation to make it a deep blue, reddish-orange, pale green, pink, or purple.
MOHS HARDNESS
Topaz is at 8 on the Mohs scale and is two times as hard as quartz which is a 7 on the scale.
LUSTER
Topaz’s luster is vitreous and its streak is white.
CHEMICAL COMPOUND
The chemical formula is Al₂SiO₄(F, OH)₂, which makes it an aluminum silicate mineral that contains fluorine.
WHERE TO FIND
Today, topaz deposits can be found in Brazil, United States, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Zimbabwe Mexico, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, and China.