Colors of Topaz and Its Origins
Topaz naturally occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, including colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, brown, pink, and occasionally red. The highly popular blue topaz, ranging from sky blue to deep "London Blue," is almost always the result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heat. Imperial Topaz, a rare and prized variety, showcases beautiful golden orange to pinkish-orange hues. Historically, Brazil has been the most significant source of various topaz colors, particularly Imperial Topaz, while other notable deposits are found in Russia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Taking Care of your Topaz Jewelry
To preserve the beauty of your topaz jewelry, gently clean it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush, rinsing thoroughly to remove any residue. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, which can damage the stone or its treatments. Topaz, while relatively hard (8 on the Mohs scale), has a perfect cleavage, meaning a single sharp blow can cause it to split. Therefore, always store your topaz pieces separately to prevent impact and remove them before engaging in strenuous activities.
Understanding the Pricing of Topaz's
The pricing of topaz varies significantly, largely dependent on its color. While natural colorless and light blue topaz are relatively affordable, the widely popular "London Blue" and "Swiss Blue" hues are achieved through treatment, offering an accessible price point for their vibrant color. Rare and untreated natural colors, especially the golden-orange to pinkish "Imperial Topaz," command much higher prices per carat due to their scarcity. As with other gemstones, clarity, cut quality, and carat weight also play crucial roles, with larger, eye-clean stones in desirable colors being more valuable.
Topaz Gemstone Meaning
Topaz is widely known as a gemstone of truth and spiritual clarity, believed to bring understanding and inner peace to its wearer. It's often associated with promoting emotional balance, relieving tension, and fostering forgiveness. Historically, topaz was thought to possess protective qualities and attract good fortune and abundance. This radiant gem is also believed to enhance creativity and strengthen self-confidence, encouraging one to embrace their true self.
