What is Topaz? Your Detailed Guide

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Topaz is often confused with other gemstones like citrine and smoky quartz because it comes in several varieties with different qualities, colors, and properties. If you want to better understand this stunning semiprecious gemstone, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about topaz.


What is topaz?

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Topaz is a stunning gemstone popular for jewelry making, although it has other uses like restoration and manifestation. It’s also an inexpensive diamond simulant. 

Topaz can be found in big, flawless crystals, which jewelers can polish and facet into huge gemstones weighing thousands of carats. Notably, some of the largest gemstones ever cut were of topaz. 

Topaz is popular for its durability and desirable colors – the fiery orange ones are known as “Imperial topaz.”

Is topaz a real gemstone?

Yes, topaz is a real gemstone. In its natural state, topaz is mostly transparent/translucent. 

What is mystic topaz?

Mystic topaz is one of the most affordable varieties of topaz, achieved through heat and radiation treatment. After the heating process, the gem is coated with a metallic oxide, giving it an entirely new color. The coating is extremely durable; however, contact with strong chemicals or vigorous scratching can damage it.

Mystic topaz has a mix of different colors and also produces an iridescent effect. It’s also known as “rainbow topaz”, “Alaskan topaz”, “titanium topaz”, and “Caribbean topaz.” 

How hard is topaz? 

Topaz ranks at 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it the hardest silicate mineral. No wonder the gemstone is best known for its durability. 

So, if you’re planning on getting some topaz jewelry, it’s perfect for daily wear and will last a long time. Other known minerals harder than topaz are diamond, corundum, and chrysoberyl. 

What does topaz symbolize?

Topaz symbolizes honor and strength. It’s also believed to bring wisdom and wealth. This gemstone is often gifted on the 4th and 19th anniversaries of marriage. However, the imperial topaz (red, pink, and orange-hued) is a special gift for the 23rd wedding anniversary. 

In Hindu mythology, the word “topaz” refers to “heat” or “fire.” It’s also one of the most sacred stones of the Hindu Kalpa tree.

On the other hand, in Egyptian practices, topaz is the symbol of “Ra,” the Sun god, believed to be the giver of life. In Europe, topaz is strongly linked with Apollo, a solar being.


What does topaz look like?

Topaz is a fluoro-silicate of aluminum. Topaz crystals are typically columnar and cut into pear or oval shapes to improve yield. In its natural state, the gemstone is usually colorless. But it can also be white, yellow, and faded versions of grey or blue if certain impurities are present in the crystal. 

Topaz is rarely found in deeper hues, but heat treatment and radiation give it a deep blue color. Orange, brown, green, pink, or red topaz gemstones are expensive because they are rare. 

What color is topaz?

Topaz has various colors in various tones and saturations of green, blue, yellow, red, orange, pink, and purple. Usually, blue topaz is a result of heat treatment and radiation, but natural blue topaz does exist (although it’s rare). Topaz is also pleochroic, exhibiting different colors when viewed from different directions.

What is the most common topaz color?

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Clear topaz is the most common. Other colors found in untreated topaz are pale yellow, brown, and gray. Lighter shades of green, violet, and pink are also relatively common colors of topaz.

What is the rarest topaz color?

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The rarest topaz colors are pink and red. Golden orange, often referred to as “imperial topaz”, is also rare and one of the most valuable. And although blue topaz (from radiation and heat treatment) is widely available in the market, natural blue topaz is one of the rarest colors. 


Is topaz jewelry expensive?

Although most topaz jewelry is relatively affordable, the overall cost depends on the stone’s rarity and the type of jewelry metal. Jewelry with pink, red, orange, and natural blue topaz are the most expensive.

How much is topaz worth?

Colorless topaz is one of the most affordable, costing around $8/ct. However, imperial topaz, the most sought-after color, is quite expensive and retails at over $1000/ct. for large (10 ct. +) sizes. The rarest colors, like pink and red, can even go up to $3500/ct.

Why is blue topaz so cheap? 

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Although natural blue topaz is extremely rare and expensive, treated blue topaz is becoming increasingly available and popular, making the prices considerably low. While the cut and clarity play a major role in the price, blue topaz usually costs around $25/ct.


What is topaz used for besides jewelry?

Other than jewelry, topaz is used for making refractory materials for kilns, furnaces, and incinerators. It’s also a raw material for making ceramic, glass, and fluorine compounds. 

Topaz is believed to be a source of energy that offers many physical and mental health benefits. In various cultures, the gemstone is considered sacred and believed to sharpen intelligence and improve health. 


How to clean topaz jewelry

Regularly cleaning your jewelry will help it retain its shine and luster for a long time. Here’s how to clean your topaz jewelry. 

Materials Needed

  • Lukewarm water 
  • Mild soap 
  • A soft cloth
  • A soft-bristled toothbrush

Instructions

  1. Add a little bit of mild soap to a bowl of lukewarm water.
  2. Put your jewelry in this solution and allow it to soak for about half an hour.
  3. Take out your jewelry and clean it gently by wiping it with a soft cloth or scrubbing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  4. Rinse your jewelry in running water to remove any soap. 
  5. Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the commonly asked questions by jewelry lovers planning to add topaz to their jewelry collection 

What month is blue topaz birthstone?

Blue topaz is the December birthstone. However, colorless topaz is the November birthstone. 

Is topaz good for engagement rings?

Topaz is an excellent choice for engagement rings. It’s available in various colors, so you have several options. Also, many cultures consider topaz a sacred gem that brings wealth and good health, making it an excellent choice to mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment.  

Can you wear a topaz ring every day?

As we’ve already mentioned, topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable enough for daily wear.


Where to buy topaz jewelry?

You can purchase topaz in a jewelry store or online. We’ve selected three reputable online stores for your consideration. 

James Allen 

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With each piece handcrafted, you can be sure of the quality of your topaz jewelry while purchasing from James Allen

Moreover, you also get free FedEx shipping with every order. And with their hassle-free, 30-day return policy, you won’t have to worry if you don’t like what you ordered.


Blue Nile

Blue Topaz Earrings

Blue Nile is another leading online jewelry retailer that offers fine jewels and an extensive range of services to make your purchase hassle-free. 

With free secure shipping on every U.S. order, a 30-day return and exchange policy, and insurance and financing options, buying topaz jewelry is easy and convenient. 


Angara 

Topaz necklace

Ranked as the best online jeweler by Newsweek, Angara offers you premium custom-made jewelry. They create each piece using the best quality gemstones sourced directly from the mines and manufacturers. 


Is topaz the perfect gemstone for you?

Topaz is a stunning gemstone that will never cease to amaze you with its gorgeous colors and properties. Whether you’re looking for a striking gemstone to add to your collection, planning on getting a unique engagement ring for your partner, or wishing to get your hands on your birthstone jewelry, the perfect topaz for you is out there.

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