Shades of Topaz

Topaz Origins

The name “topaz” is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word tap, meaning “to burn.” In contemporary times, topaz is often linked with the meanings of calmness and communication. While various types of topaz are found globally, the exclusive reserves of natural imperial topaz are located in Ouro Prêto, Brazil. Topaz is not only stunning but also remarkably durable, boasting a hardness score of 8 out of 10 on the gemstone hardness scale.

Variations of Topaz

Topaz is prized for its diverse and beautiful variations, thanks to its allochromatic nature. This means the gem’s color results from impurity elements or defects in its crystal structure. Some common topaz types include:

• White/Silver
• Australian
• Smokey
• Yellow
• Sherry
• Brazilian
• Sky Blue
• Swiss/Electric Blue
• London Blue/Inky/Steely

Intriguingly, chromium gives rise to red, pink, or violet topaz, whereas imperfections in the atomic crystal structure lead to yellow, brown, and blue hues.

White or Silver Topaz

Clear and brilliant, this topaz variant is ideal for a wide range of jewelry and serves as a high-quality base for color-treated stones. It should not be confused with colorless quartz. Key differences include:

• • Quartz has a Mohs hardness rating of 7, while topaz scores an 8. This means topaz is more resistant to scratches.
  • There are variations in their crystal formations.

Australian Topaz

Derived from Australia, this topaz is often seen in clear, pale yellow, or pale blue shades. Notable sources include Oban in New South Wales, Mount Surprise in Queensland, and Flinders Island in Tasmania.

Smoky Topaz

Often mistaken for Smoky Quartz, Smoky Topaz stands out due to its signature smoky hue, ranging from dark chocolate to lighter tan tones. This variant is celebrated as a grounding and protective stone.

Yellow Topaz

Yellow Topaz, the birthstone for November, is a distinctive choice for various jewelry pieces. Its color spectrum ranges from bright yellow to a deeper, golden hue.

Sherry Topaz

Named after sherry wine, Sherry Topaz exhibits yellowish-brown to orange-brown hues. It is often referred to as precious topaz to signify its quality and value, distinguishing it from less valuable stones like smoky quartz.

Brazilian Topaz

Brazil, a leading producer of topaz, offers a spectrum of topaz values—from exceedingly rare and expensive stones to more affordable options. Brazil’s topaz mines date back centuries, producing an array of colors, including the highly coveted natural blue topaz.

Sky Blue Topaz

This variant mimics a clear, cloudless sky with its delicate, airy blue tone. Many Sky Blue Topazes started as white topaz, later treated with gamma rays. The specific process to achieve this color remains a lab secret, often involving an environment with radioactive material like Cobalt 60. Sky Blue Topaz serves as an affordable alternative to aquamarine.

Swiss (Electric) Blue Topaz

Swiss Blue Topaz stands out for its vivid, light blue hue. Unlike Sky Topaz, it has a deeper shade but is not as dark as London Blue Topaz. The vibrant color is achieved by exposing white topaz to high-energy electrons through intense heat, a process that can take several months due to the risk of cracking the gemstone. Swiss Blue Topaz offers a less saturated alternative to London Blue Topaz.

London Blue (Inky, Steely) Topaz

Renowned for its value and striking beauty, London Blue Topaz is a highly sought-after variety. Though some natural specimens exist, most London Blue Topazes on the market are heat-treated, a method that enhances their quality. Treatments often involve using nuclear reactors to penetrate white topaz with color-producing electrons and neutrons, resulting in its beloved dark hue.

Topaz Pricing

The most important factor when pricing topaz

Topaz comes at various price points, influenced by factors such as color grade, carat, and cut. Color is the most crucial determinant in topaz pricing. Shoppers should aim for stones with high color grades to ensure value.

Most popular topaz shapes

When buying topaz, consider that emerald and round cuts are the most favored due to their compatibility with the stone’s natural properties. Additionally, natural topaz that has undergone heat treatment significantly enhances its appeal.