Glittering Stones >> Semi Precious Stones >> Topaz

Semi Precious Stone Topaz

Topaz is very common gemstone that has been used few centuries in jewelry. Its golden brown to yellow color is classic but it is confused with the less valuable citrine that is sold under the name topaz. The blue topaz that is often confused with aquamarine is not often natural and is produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals. Topaz is the November Birthstone.

The mineral topaz is a silicate of aluminum and also fluorine with the chemical formula (AlF) 2SiO4. It is orthorhombic and its crystals are mainly prismatic terminated by pyramidal and other faces also, the basal pinacoid often being present. It has an easy and perfect basal cleavage and hence gemstones and other fine specimens must be handled with care to avoid developing cleavage flaws. The fracture is concordat to uneven. Topaz has a hardness of 7, a specific gravity of 3.4-3.5, and a vitreous luster. Pure topaz is transparent but it is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine and straw-yellow. They can also be white, gray, green, blue, or reddish-yellow also and transparent or translucent. When heated, yellow topaz often becomes reddish-pink.

Topaz

Historical Facts of Topaz

Refractive Index 1.629 - 1.637
Chemical Composition AL(F,OH)2SIO4
Hardness 8
Crystal Group Orthorhombic
Density 3.52 - 3.56
Color Colorless, Blue, Yellow brown, Pinkish orange, Red orange, Red brown, Tan, White, Gray, Green, Pink, Reddish yellow.
Ocurrence Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Germany, Australia, Japan, Russia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Western Utah, United States

Gemstone Jewelry Topaz

Topaz Bracelet
Topaz Bracelet
Topaz Earrings
Topaz Earring
Topaz Necklace
Topaz Necklace
Topaz Rings
Topaz Ring

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Glittering stones  |   About Us  |   Contact Us  |   Resources  |   Precious stones  |   Semi precious stones  |   Gems Glossary  |   Gallery  |   Types of Gems  |   History of Gems  |   Birthstones  |   Anniversary Gemstone Gifts  |   Stones Properties  |   Gem Jewelry  |   Gems Library  |   Gemstones Uses  |   Precious & Semiprecious Stones Facts  |   Diamond Shapes  |   Zodiac Birthstones  |   Gemstone Articles  |   Articles  |   News  |   Sitemap   |   Quiz Programs