Topaz, a gem with a rich history and captivating allure, has fascinated humanity for centuries. In this exploration of topaz, we delve into its mesmerising colours, delve into the symbolism it carries, and discover the secrets that make it a cherished gemstone in the world of jewellery.
What is Topaz and its Storied History?
Having its name derived from the Sanskrit word for fire and the Greek name of Topazios. Believed to give its wearer strength, beauty, intelligence, this gem consist of a wide range of colour shades. Thought to dispel anger and break magic spells, this gem has been used by royalty and rival other gems such as pink sapphires.
Topaz Properties
Mineral: Topaz
Chemistry: Aluminium Silicate with Fluorine (Al2(F,OH)2SiO4)
Refractive Index: 1.619 – 1.627
Birefringence: 0.008 to 0.010
Specific Gravity:3.53
Mohs Hardness:8.0
Colours in Incandescent Light
Orange
Blue
Other Colours
Yellow
Brown
Purplish Pink
Common Shapes
Birthstone Month
November, December
Treatments / Enhancements
Heat Treatment is usually used to improve colour and clarity
Similar Gemstones
Origins
United States, Madagascar, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico
Colours of Topaz: A Kaleidoscope of Beauty
The beauty of topaz lies in its diverse spectrum of colours, ranging from the warm embrace of orange and blue to the subtle elegance of yellow, brown, and purplish pink. To better understand these colours, let’s explore the geological factors influencing topaz hues.
Geological Factors Influencing Topaz Colours
Referencing geological insights from Geology Page, the colours of topaz are influenced by various elements, such as chromium, iron, and radiation exposure. The geological processes shaping topaz provide a fascinating glimpse into the Earth’s intricate mechanisms that result in the gem’s breathtaking palette.
Topaz with its different colours
Colour Grades of Topaz
Topaz not only have different colour/undertone shades, each of those shades come with varying intensity as well. Below is some of the topaz with different shade intensity.
Blue Topaz with different intensities
Yellow Topaz with different intensities
The Kaleidoscope of Topaz Colours
Colour is the most influential factor determining topaz’s value. While preferences may vary across cultures and time, red topaz with vivid saturation is the most sought-after. Learn about the various colour grades of topaz, each exhibiting different intensities and unique characteristics.
Imperial Topaz: Rare and Regal
For Topaz that contain Red hues, they are referred to as Imperial Topaz. They are the most highly prized and coveted due to its rarity. it is insisted that the gem must display a reddish pleochroic colour in order to be classified as an imperial topaz. It often appears at the ends of fashioned gems such as pear shaped or oval shaped gems. Otherwise it will have a yellowish orange body colour
Sherry Topaz: The Elegance of Wine
Sherry Topaz is often used to refer to Topaz that contain yellowish brown, brownish yellow and orange hues within them. This term is used because the colour of the stone resembles the colour of Sherry wine. Stones in this colour range are sometimes called precious topaz as well. The name is used to distinguish between citrine and smoky quartz which look similar and often times mistaken as Topaz.
Pink Topaz: Nature’s Pink Elegance
Pink Topaz, often known as Rose Topaz, is a naturally colour topaz found within Brazilian mines. It resembles a pink diamond or a bright pink sapphire, which people might mistake it for. It is less expensive than pink diamonds in generally and it is also readily available in large sizes compared to pink diamonds and pink sapphires.
Blue Topaz: A Symphony of Hues
Contrary to popular believe, blue topaz are not naturally occurring topaz. The blue hue is achieved through treatment of the original gemstone. Therefore, supply for blue topaz can be easily generated and it is relatively cheap compared to the other stones. Different shades of blue have different trade names in this scenario. Sky Blue for aqua blue topaz, Swiss Blue for medium blue topaz and London Blue topaz for dark blue topaz
Clarity: A Glimpse into Purity
Clarity of a gem is judged based off the gem’s opacity and how much inclusions does the gem contain. The assessment of clarity is often done thru eye clean and it follow the same grading as with diamonds. Inclusions within the gem affects the value of the gem. The more visible the inclusions are to the visible eye, the lower the value of the gem.
Topaz Gems are often inclusion-free. This is due to the nature of treatment being done to the gem to change their colour. Because of treatment, most stones will not contain inclusions. This is especially true when it comes to colourless, blue, yellow coloured topaz gems
Clarity Grades of Topaz
Clarity in transparent emeralds is assessed by naked eye only and at distance of about 40cm. Topaz are classified as type 1 stones. This means that they will almost always don’t have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
Cut
The shape of the Topaz crystal influences the finished stone’s shape and size. It is usually elongated or columnar thus it is often cut as long oval or pear shapes. If it has strong colour shades, it will be cut into emerald cut because that maximises the colour and retain the most weight.
But it is not only limited to just those 2 cuts. It can also cater to a large variety of shapes and cutting styles. It can come in all the gem shapes like Ovals, Pears, Rounds, Cushions, Marquise as well as designer cuts and fantasy shapes.
Fancy Cuts such as brilliant cuts with triangular facets, step cuts with parallel facets, and mixed cuts consisting of both are all common. Since there is an abundant supply of topaz, mainly blue topaz, it is often cut into specific and calibrated sizes for the usage of the mass consumer market and multi stone jewellery pieces.
Carat
Gemstones such as Topaz are denser than diamonds, therefore the carat weight for a gemstones differs from that of a diamond. Size of gemstones, including topaz, are measured by carat as well as their diameter in millimetres.
Topaz have a wide size range from a few points to hundreds of carats. Topaz in museums and private collections that weigh hundreds of carats, such as the ones in the Smithsonian and American Museum of Natural History. On the other end, smaller sized topaz gems are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Prices tend to rise for gems that are above 10×8 mm in size.
Advantages of Topaz in Jewellery
Impressive Hardness
Topaz boasts a remarkable hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. This high level of hardness ensures that topaz jewellery is resistant to scratches and abrasions, maintaining its brilliance and beauty over time.
Versatility in Cuts
The versatility of topaz in various cuts allows jewellers and designers to create a wide range of exquisite jewellery pieces. While elongated shapes like ovals and pears are common, topaz can be fashioned into emerald cuts, rounds, cushions, marquise, and even fancy cuts. This adaptability makes it easy to incorporate topaz into both classic and contemporary designs.
Brilliance and Clarity
Topaz gems often exhibit remarkable brilliance due to their high refractive index (1.619 – 1.627). The transparency of topaz, especially in colourless, blue, and yellow varieties, allows for maximum light penetration, resulting in a stunning play of colours. Additionally, the clarity of topaz is often exceptional, with many stones being inclusion-free, contributing to their overall value.
Abundant Supply
Topaz is relatively abundant compared to some other gemstones, making it more accessible and affordable for a wide range of consumers. Its availability in various colours and sizes allows for a diverse selection, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Michael Trio offers a stunning collection of topaz jewellery, showcasing the brilliance and versatility of this captivating gemstone. From intricately designed rings to timeless necklaces, each piece is meticulously crafted to enhance the natural beauty of topaz. Whether you seek the vibrant hues of blue topaz or the regal allure of Imperial topaz, Michael Trio’s diverse selection caters to various tastes and preferences. This not only expands the options for consumers but also ensures that each piece meets the high standards of quality and design set by Michael Trio, making them a go-to destination for those seeking exquisite topaz jewellery.
Topaz Jewellery: Tips for Caring
To maintain the allure of your topaz jewellery, here are some essential care tips:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Topaz, like many gemstones, can be adversely affected by exposure to harsh chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, and cosmetics. To preserve the gem’s brilliance, it is advisable to remove topaz jewellery before engaging in activities involving these substances.
Store Separately
To prevent scratching, it’s recommended to store topaz jewellery separately from other gemstones or jewellery items. While topaz is relatively hard, storing it with harder stones can lead to abrasions, diminishing its lustre over time.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning topaz jewellery regularly is essential to maintain its vibrancy. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water to gently clean the gem, removing any accumulated dirt or oils. A soft brush can be employed to reach intricate settings or patterns without causing damage.
Check for Loose Settings
Periodically inspect the settings of your topaz jewellery to ensure stones are secure. Loose settings can result in the loss of the gemstone, and timely repairs can prevent such incidents.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
While topaz is generally resistant to temperature changes, it is advisable to avoid exposing it to extreme heat or sudden temperature variations. Rapid changes in temperature can lead to thermal shock and potentially cause damage.
By adhering to these tips, you can ensure that your topaz jewellery remains radiant and retains its allure for years to come. Proper care not only preserves the gem’s aesthetic appeal but also safeguards its durability, allowing you to enjoy your topaz jewellery for generations.
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