Cast your eyes
upon the ocean waters as the setting sun displays its
dance of color, and you’ll discover all the rich
spectral hues of topaz.
On its cool side, topaz ranges
from a soft sky blue to the richest and most vivid aquas
and greenish blues imaginable. Warmer tones of topaz
take on the golden hue of a fine chardonnay or the blush
of a tree ripened peach.
Other colors range from rich,
warm browns to lusty variations of orange and cinnamon.
Some of the most rare and exceptional shades of topaz
include rich pinks and sherry reds.
Topaz owes its long-lasting popularity to many things,
but chief among these is its remarkable combination of
beauty and affordability. Found in many different colors
and sizes, topaz continues today to be one of the world’s
most desirable and
sought after gemstones.
Birthstone
Topaz is the birthstone for November. In recent years blue topaz has been used
as an alternate birthstone for December.
Origins
The most prolific sources for topaz are Brazil and Nigeria. Topaz is also found
in Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Treatments
Topaz is routinely treated to bring out its best color. When enhanced by heat,
shades of brown, orange and yellow often change to pink. A wide variety of rich
blue and greenish blue shades can be created using a combination of heat and
irradiation. The color of enhanced topaz is usually very stable.
Care
Topaz is a hard gemstone that is very resistant to scratching, but because of
its internal structure it may break or split if subjected to hard blows or sudden
changes in temperature. Topaz should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning
machine. Topaz can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain
soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly
after cleaning.
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