A symbol of beauty and splendor, topaz is a silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminum, and a gemstone that has been around for many centuries. Its high luster, wide variety of vibrant colors and well-formed crystals combine to make topaz an attractive gemstone that is popular in many items of jewelry.

Background and Types of Topaz

 Topaz has been known for over 2,000 years, and is named as one of the twelve gemstones that formed the foundations of the gates to the Holy City of New Jerusalem. The stone can be found in a number of colors, including green, blue, brown, red, pink and various shades of its most common color - yellow, though yellow hues are not to be confused with the similar-looking gem citrine. A colorless variety also exists.

Topaz is found in many countries around the world, including Russia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and the USA, and topaz has a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones known to man.

 The name Topaz was originally applied to any gemstone that was yellow in color, though this has changed over the last few centuries. The gem is not overly common in jewelry sales, and has to be labeled ‘Pure’ topaz to differentiate it from quartz topaz.

Imperial topaz is the most valuable variety, and is a usually a bright yellow or deep golden color. Blue is also a popular hue in the jewelry industry, with different names applying to the shades of blue. Treatment of the gems is possible, and brown or pale gems are often treated to make them much more desirable hues such as gold, yellow or pink. Colorless topaz can also be treated and given a ‘rainbow’ effect along with the name Mystic topaz.

Large sizes of topaz are possible and have been found in Siberia, and in particular Brazil, where clear gems have been discovered that are of hundreds of pounds in weight and the size of small boulders. Topaz from certain countries of origin, such as Russia, is renowned for fading upon exposure to light. For this reason, establishing origin is vitally important for buyers, and can heavily affect the sale price.

Topaz Meanings and Properties

 Like many gemstones, topaz has had a plethora of meaning and properties over the centuries. Topaz (in particular Orange topaz or Precious topaz) is the gemstone of the month of November. It has historically been believed to provide protection against enemies and endow people with strength. The gem is also said to have a cooling effect, and can dispel emotions such as sadness and fear, replacing them with understanding and wisdom.

Blue topaz is the gemstone of the state of Texas, and orange topaz the gemstone of the state of Utah. Topaz is also linked to the planet of Jupiter.

Factors That Affect Value & Treatments

The main factors that affect gemstone valuation are the ‘Four C’s’ of color, cut, clarity and carat (size), as well as geographical origin.