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Topaz : November Birthstone / Zodiac Sign Scorpio / Day Of Week Sunday / Anniversary Gemstone 4th Year (Blue Topaz) & 23rd Year (Imperial Topaz)

In antiquity all yellow and brown gemstones, even green ones, were called "topaz". The name most probably derived from the name of an island in the Red Sea, now Zebirget, formerly Topazos. Today the term Precious Topaz or Imperial Topaz refers to the very finest yellow gemstones which are peach-orange and medium golden hue, while average mere topaz tends to be a progressively yellow and brown hue. When the color is sherry red, deep pink and reddish-orange the material is classified as Imperial Topaz by most Gemmologist.

Imperial Topaz

Topaz is by far the most misused name in the gem world. It is often confused with other yellow/golden/brown gems. Such gems include the Citrine, which is often sold as topaz. Citrine is a more common gemstone and less expensive. It is a form of golden quartz that can be a fine reddish brown Madeira, very reminiscent of some fine topaz. Also pale brownish yellow "smoky quartz" are called "smoky topaz." Some natural precious topaz can be found in the lavender even violet, and in blue. However, the majority of the blue topaz seen today are produced by artificial heat treatment of natural low quality light blue topaz, found in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Cornwall, England.

London blue                                              Sky Blue

The majority of precious topaz comes from Brazil; Minas Gerais and Esperito Santo. It is also mined in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Russia (Urals & Transbaikalia).

             White                                                    Swiss Blue        

Topaz is a durable gemstone with a Moh's hardness of 8. Fine precious topaz is usually cut in an emerald or scissors cut, which tend to show it's strong pleochroismic colors of yellow and red to the maximum. Colorless topaz are cut in round brilliant shapes to accent fire and brilliancy.

Mystic Topaz 

The fine pink Imperial topaz is the most expensive and rare of the topaz. However difficulties in identification of the heat-treated yellow topazes, which can become pink, can yield pink topaz stones that are over priced. These color enhanced pink topaz stones have a permanent pink hue which do not fade over time. The rich fine yellow and peach-orange topaz are what most connoisseurs know as Precious Topaz. At present, fine eye cleaned, well cut stones in the range of up to 6 carats are available. In the affordable price range, true imperial topaz with its fiery reddish orange color is usually hard to find while golden to peach color precious topaz , often with a pink overtone, is available.

***Care Tips of Topaz Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonics steamers, strong heat and sudden changes of temperature. Topaz is relatively hard, but cracks easily when dropped or knocked.

***CARE OF MYSTIC TOPAZ JEWELRY

1) For manufacturing:
Mystic Topaz should be handled with the same care as opals and pearls. Therefore, education is the key to success at this stage.
a) When setting the enhanced gemstones into the jewelry, the manufacturer should take care in the training of the employees.
b) It is advisable to polish the mountings before setting the gemstone; i.e. when setting the jewelry, all manufacturing work should be done to the jewelry prior to placing the enhanced gemstone into the setting. This will assure no damage is done to the enhanced gemstone, and
c) The finished mounted piece should not be exposed to acid, ultrasound and/or steam cleaning.
2) For Jewelers and Customers:
Again, it must be emphasized that Mystic Topaz should be handled with the same care as opals and pearls.
a) The thin film treatment applied to gemstones producing beautiful iridescent colors that are quite durable and hard. The treated layer is only microns in thickness; it is not deposited in thick layers.
b) If the wearer utilizes care, the enhancement will last the life of the jewelry setting.
c) However, the enhanced gemstone should not be exposed to any abrasives, acids, or immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners may contain a pickling solution that would cause damage to the enhanced surface of the gemstone.
d) Abrasive cloths may scratch the enhanced surface of the gemstone. This may not remove the treatment, but scratching the optical surface will effect the reflection of light traveling through the gemstone. This influences the color and clarity of the gemstone.
e) High heat may adversely affect the refractive index: eliminating color-intensity. Heat should NOT be applied to the enhanced surface of the gemstone.
f) Cleaners: We advise to use only cleaners that are safe for pearls or opals; more specifically, "Windex" and "Jewel Brite" to clean the enhanced gemstones. A mild soap and water rinse also works well. Simply wash off the dulling surface oils and blot dry with a clean paper towel. This will restore the colors to their original luster and brilliance.