What colors does topaz occur in?
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.
How Durable is Topaz?
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).
Is topaz commonly treated before it is used in jewelry?
Yes, most topaz is treated in some way to enhance its color or remove inclusions.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.
How much does topaz cost?
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.
Shop for Topaz
Pay attention to topaz names when you shop. Some terms, like Mystic Topaz, coated topaz, describe gems that are either manipulated in some way or are impostors. New terms are coined every year -- ask questions before you buy.Topaz Earrings: Compare Prices
Topaz Pendants: Compare Prices
Topaz Rings: Compare Prices
Topaz Bracelets: Compare Prices
Topaz Body Jewelry: Compare Prices
