| Topaz is a one of the most popular gemstones in | | | | A new trend in using topaz for jewelry is using |
| the world today along with the ruby, diamond and | | | | iridescent colors. The process is done by applying |
| sapphire. It is available in a wide variety of colors | | | | a thin layer of titanium oxide on the stone |
| but the golden orange-yellow topaz which is also | | | | through physical vapor deposition. The final effect |
| known as the Imperial Topaz is the most | | | | is them marketed as "Mystic Topaz". |
| expensive color of all. | | | | Other names for certain types of topaz are |
| Pure topaz is transparent but is usually blemished | | | | Precious Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Sherry Topaz, |
| with some impurities. A common topaz mineral | | | | Silver Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz, London Blue |
| color is yellow. They can also be gray, white, blue, | | | | Topaz and Paraiba Topaz. |
| green and other colors depending on the impurity. | | | | One of the most notable properties of the topaz |
| The use of topaz as a gemstone goes back to | | | | is the cleavage. The structural nature of the topaz |
| last 2000 years ago. One of the gemstones that | | | | has one plane that makes bond relatively weak. |
| form the foundations of the twelve gates to the | | | | The topaz should be handled with extreme care |
| City of Jerusalem is the topaz. The use topaz in | | | | to avoid developing of cleavage flaws. |
| some old civilizations symbolizes beauty and | | | | Commercial topaz deposits can be found in Ouero |
| splendor. | | | | Prito, Minas Gerais, and Brazil. Gem topaz also |
| The sky blue topaz is a widespread color in | | | | comes from the Ural Mountains of Russia and |
| today's market and people have always | | | | Siberia but the excellent types of topaz mainly |
| associated topaz with this color. But the fact is it | | | | come from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In the United |
| was only until this century that the blue topaz | | | | States, topaz gem materials are most coming |
| became very popular because this color is | | | | from Pikes Peak area in Colorado, San Diego |
| inexpensive so many people can afford to buy | | | | California and New Hampshire. |
| them. Although blue topaz occurs in nature, most | | | | Like many precious stones, topaz should be |
| of the blue topaz in the market today are treated | | | | prevented from scratches and sharp blows. |
| with irradiation and heated to turn blue. The most | | | | Placing the topaz near high temperature like near |
| common blue topaz varieties are the Swiss Blue, | | | | a heater or inside a hot car can create flaw in the |
| London Blue and Sky Blue. | | | | stone. Cleaning with ultrasonic cleaners can also |
| The common varieties of topaz gemstone in the | | | | create flaw in the stone. It is best to clean the |
| market today are the Blue Topaz, Brown Topaz, | | | | topaz with warm water and soap. |
| Green Topaz and Pink Topaz. Naturally pink topaz | | | | Only buy topaz from a reputable dealer. As a |
| is very rare and most pink topaz commercially | | | | precaution, any dealer using the terms "Bohemian |
| sold has been heat treated from yellow or | | | | Topaz", "Spanish topaz" or "Nevada topaz" may |
| brownishstone. | | | | not be reputable. |