Jewelry Blog » Topaz

>Topaz Facts and Lore

sudha — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:57:00 +0000

>Many Colors
Topaz 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.

Where
Topaz stones and gems are typically mined and excavated together with different kinds of igneous rocks. You can find these mining sites at various places in the United States such as in Utah, as well in different countries like in Sri Lanka, Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan and Brazil.

Blue Topaz
Two of the most common yet unique colors of Topaz are the blue topaz and the yellow topaz. Blue topaz is the gemstone of the state of Texas in the United States. In reality color blue topaz are really, really hard to find. What other jewelers do is to turn the yellow, colorless even the gray topaz into blue by heating, exposing and then lighting them up. Jewelry stores offer different kinds of blue topazes such as the sky blue topaz, which is the most ordinary type of blue topazes. The sky blue topazes are usually used for embellishments and decorations. Another type of blue topaz is called the Swiss blue topaz, which has a brighter shade of blue in it compared to the hue of the sky blue topaz. The blue topaz is sometimes considered as the birthstone of people who were born in the month of December.

Yellow Topaz
The yellow topaz is another variation of the topaz stone. This particular topaz is the official gemstone of the state of Utah in the US. This is also the birthstone of the people who were born in the month of November. Couples who are celebrating their fourth year wedding anniversary can be also symbolized by the topaz stone.

Healing Lore
In ancient times, elders believed that the topaz stone is a very well rounded stone. It has been said that the topaz stone has an impressive positive effect for healing both physical and emotional pains. The topaz stone was used during the olden times to uplift the spirit and mood of one person. Ancient people believed that topaz stones can easily attract love and devotion. It was also considered as the stone that can honed the creative juices of the person.

Legends have it that people who wear topaz stones will be healed from illnesses like hemorrhages and other respiratory diseases. Some elders even endorsed the topaz stones to help people that are suffering from insomnia and bad eyesight.

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>Topaz Treatments-Birthstone

sudha — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:49:00 +0000

>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 the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which states: The NRC believes irradiated gemstones currently on the market are safe. The NRC has not requested that jewelers take these stones off the market. (USNRC Web Site)

Irradiation can be stable or it can fade in sunlight.

Diffusion Treatment

Diffusion is accomplished by coating a cut topaz with a chemical and then heating the gemstone to alter its color (coating its exterior with shades of green and blue-green).

True diffusion treatment is stable, but other (more temporary) techniques are sometimes used to coat a stone.

>Topaz Properties, Cost, All about November’s Birthstone

sudha — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:44:00 +0000

>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 10).
Most topaz is treated in some way to enhance its color or remove inclusions.
Expect to pay significantly more for natural topaz in desirable colors such as natural pinks, violets, apricots and other intense shades. Treated topaz is less expensive, but still includes a wide range of prices.

Are other gemstones confused with topaz?

Citrine (quartz) is sometimes marketed as topaz.
Pink topaz is sometimes incorrectly sold as tourmaline.

More info here

>Topaz Jewelry Cleaning Tips & Fact-November Birthstone

sudha — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:41:00 +0000

>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 “fire.” Others link it to the Red Sea Island of Topazios (Zabargad or St. John’s Island), where peridot has been found. For the general public, topaz means a yellow gem, and much citrine and smoky quartz has been sold as “golden topaz” and “smoky topaz.” The terms “imperial” and “precious” topaz are often used to distinguish between true topaz and the quartz look-alikes.

The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. It was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages.

>Topaz Tips-Blue topaz buying guide-November Birthstone

sudha — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:36:00 +0000

>
Blue topaz
Naturally 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 topaz buying guide
Blue topaz comes in a range of colors. The most desired is a pure, clear robin’s egg blue. When buying blue topaz, be sure to examine the stone under both natural and incandescent light. Because the stone is so light in color, inclusions show easily, but eye clean stones are not uncommon.

Be wary of unscrupulous dealers trying to pass the less expensive quartz off as blue topaz. If possible, have the stone appraised by an independent gemologist.

Blue topaz care
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.
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>Blue Topaz Care, Maintenance, Cleaning Tips

sudha — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:31:00 +0000

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, and before applying makeup and hair spray.

Cleaning blue topaz

Clean blue topaz jewelry with a soft cloth or brush and a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water. Soak the piece of jewelry in the solution for ten to twenty minutes, then carefully scrub with a soft toothbrush. Do not use ultrasonic or mechanical cleaners and avoid harsh chemical cleaning solutions.