>Many ColorsTopaz is a gemstone that probably has the most numerous color variations. There’s a clear topaz, which means there’s no impurities or crusts in it. Then there’s the blue topaz, the brown topaz, the orange topaz, the gray topaz, the yellow topaz, the green topaz, the pink topaz and reddish pink topaz.
WhereTopaz stones and [...]
>Heat Treatments
Heat treatment is often used to turn brownish and yellow shades of topaz pink. Heat is considered a stable treatment.
Irradiation Treatment
Irradiation can turn colorless topaz blue, and it intensifies the color of other shades. Gems are typically stored for a time after the treatment to reduce their radiation levels.
All irradiated gemstones are monitored by [...]
>Yellows and related shades are possibly the most common topaz colors, but the gemstone occurs in many others, including blue, pinks and pinkish-browns, oranges, reds, greens violets and colorless stones.Topaz is a durable gemstone that’s resistant to scratching. It’s rated 8 on the Mohs scale (compared to diamond, the hardest gemstone, at [...]
>The best way to care for topaz is to clean it with warm, soapy water. Avoid exposure to heat, acids and rapid temperature changes. Strong heat may alter or destroy color. Never clean topaz ultrasonically and steaming is not safe.
There is some uncertainty regarding the name. Some say it comes from the Sanskrit word meaning [...]
>Blue topazNaturally occurring blue topaz is rare, and when it does occur the color is generally pale. The blue topaz that is on the market today has been treated with radiation to deepen and set the blue tones. The process used gives very predictable results, making it possible to perfectly match the hue every time.
Blue [...]
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Like diamonds, topaz have perfect cleavage – meaning that a sharp blow from the right direction will cause the stone to split perfectly along the cleavage line. For this reason, it’s important to protect blue topaz from situations where it may receive a sharp blow.
Everyday cautions
Remove blue topaz jewelry when doing house or yard work, [...]
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