Topaz
The Hues of an Ocean Sunset
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.
Photo: Robert Weldon,
Professional Jeweler Magazine © 2002-2005 Jewelers of
America
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Member
American Gem Society