Thursday, October 14, 2010

Gem of the Week: The Topaz

Blue Topaz and Sapphire Brooch
Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry
A silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, the topaz has long been prized as a gemstone. Naturally, a pure topaz is colorless, however, the presence of other minerals and forces can create a variety of colors: yellow, gray, red, violet, pink, blue, green, brown, orange and amber. Naturally-occurring blue and pink topaz is extremely rare. Often, these days, gray or pale yellow stones are irradiated to create a deeper blue or pink color. If you’re buying a piece of jewelry that features blue or pink topaz, make sure to ask if the stones have been color-treated.


A relatively new phenomenon, mystic topaz, gives off an attractive iridescent rainbow effect as it catches the light. This, however, is not naturally-occurring and is the result of a colorless topaz that has been coated with a special material.

Early Victorian Pink Topaz and Green Garnet (Tsavorite) Pin
Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry
In ancient times, any yellow stone was called a topaz. As the ability to differentiate between specific gems became more scientific, the silicate stone we now know as topaz earned sole use of the name. There hasn’t been a period of time when the topaz wasn’t a popular gem stone. In its many hues, the topaz offers a brilliant refractive quality and a lot of elegance.

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