Topaz
What is Topaz gemstone?
Topaz gemstone belongs to the family species of Topaz mine, which comes with the various colors of the rainbow. The hardness on the Moh’s hardness scale is 8; therefore, it is very suitable to make jewelry that can sustain daily wear and tear.
Typically, Topaz falls to the semi-precious class of gemstones except for the imperial varieties in Brazil, and Imperial Topaz is superior to the standard Topaz gemstone. And that is precisely why many experts in the industry believe the Imperial Topaz should be a precious gemstone.
What are the properties of Topaz?
Topaz is a silicate mineral borne out of a combination of aluminum and fluorine chemicals to form the gemstone family of Topaz. It grows in the crystal system known as orthorhombic, which ends up having a rectangular prism shape.
Topaz typically grows on the cavities and fractures of igneous rocks such as pegmatite or granite.
Main properties;
- Chemical formula: Al₂SiO₄(F, OH)₂
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive index: 1.619-1.627 (range +- 0.010)
- Visual characteristics: N/A
- Specific gravity: 3.53; +- 0.04
- Hardness: 8
The Refractive index of Topaz varies depending on the color. For example, yellow and orange colored Topaz tend to have a higher Refractive index.
Colors
The basic form of Topaz is colorless. Other factors such as traces of chemicals give this mineral any color of the rainbow; thus, it is possible to find Topaz in any color that exists.
The most popular colors of Topaz are Blue, brown, and yellow, which are widely available in most countries worldwide. Blue Topaz can be the better market value out of the other standard colors of this gem.
The Imperial Topaz is the rarest form of Topaz gemstones, and its color makes it stand out from the rest of the Topaz family. It has a unique color that combines three different colors to bring out the gem that many people fall in love with when they put their sight on it. A Golden Orange and a pinkish hue is the most pleasing color of the Imperial Topaz.
Value
Generally, Topaz comes out as the second-tier gemstone in terms of value and rarity. Still, this family of gems that come in all colors has one that goes up the ladder of the most expensive gemstones around. You guessed it, and it’s the Imperial Topaz. Besides the Imperial Topaz, Topaz is affordable for anyone interested in having it for jewelry or a collector.
Where is Topaz found?
Although Topaz is mined in many countries worldwide, Brazil and Pakistan produce the most sought-after Topaz varieties. Brazil offers all types of Topaz, but it is Ouro Preto in Brazil with the rarest form, Imperial Topaz.
Pakistan is famed for the pink Topaz, which is also considered an appealing and rare variety of this stone. Katlang and the nearby hills of Ghundao have been an active mine and source of Topaz for several decades since 1972.
Price ranges
Brown Topaz, Yellow Topaz, Blue Topaz, any other color of Topaz have price ranges determined by their quality, color, and size.
For example;
Yellow Topaz can start from $ 5 per carat and will go up depending on the quality of the color, cut, and size of the stone.
Blue Topaz can be more appealing; therefore, its price would start from $ 11 per carat and go up depending on the factors above.
Imperial Topaz is the most sought-after Topaz in the world. A high-quality Imperial can be priced at 1,000 dollars and can fetch up to $ 3,500 per carat depending on the determining factors we’ve mentioned above.
Are there Fake Topaz gemstones?
Although Yellow or Blue Topaz is not that valuable to have lab-grown imitations produced, it has wide imitation gemstones, predominantly yellow Quartz, sold as Topaz.
Glass imitations for Blue Topaz are available in many markets worldwide. As fake glass-made stones gain popularity, the risk of one passing as legitimate blue Topaz remains a real factor.
Is Topaz heat-treated?
Yes! Blue Topaz is, in many cases, heat-treated to enhance color and clarity for faceting. In its original color, Blue Topaz comes out as a colorless or very light color; therefore, it is heat-treated to enhance the Blue color of this gem.
Heat-treatment of Topaz is an accepted practice within the gems and jewelry industry, and its purpose is to enhance the color and beauty of gemstones. Heat-treatment is a delicate process, and it is vital to be carried out by professionals to avoid causing damage to the gem.