1. Introduction
The topaz is a gemstone of remarkable beauty and versatility. Its colour palette ranges from vibrant shades of orange to delicate blues and deep gold, renowned for its brilliance and clarity.
2. Name, Origin and History
Name
There are various stories about the origin of its name – it could derive from the Sanskrit word "tapaz" meaning "fire," or it may be named after the island in the Red Sea called "Zebirget," which was once known as "Topazios."
Origin
Topaz deposits can be found in Myanmar, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and the USA. However, the most significant mining area is located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
History
The diverse topaz has a long history. For example, it is mentioned as one of the "fiery stones" (Ezekiel 28:13-16) that Moses received on the mountain of God and was instructed by God (Exodus 28:15-30) to be set in the breastplate of Aaron (High Priest and brother of Moses). In the Revelation of John (21:19-21), the topaz is one of the twelve gemstones adorning the foundations of the walls of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
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4. Varieties
The various colours of topaz are often vividly described. For instance, the blue varieties are referred to as London blue, Swiss blue, sky blue, and also known as Neptune or sea topaz.
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5. Treatment and Care
Some stones can fade or revert to their original colour when exposed to strong light. Therefore, you should avoid exposing gemstones to these conditions for extended periods! Additionally, coated or surface-treated gemstones cannot be re-cut or polished.
Topaz
(Ouro Preto Imperial Topaz, Ouro Preto Pink Topaz)
Treatment
Heating
explanation
Used for colour enhancement
Care Instructions
None
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
Topaz
(Farngrüner Topas, Kiwi Topaz, Mandarin Topaz)
Treatment
CVD process
explanation
Commonly used to produce unique colors
Care Instructions
Nicht in Verbindung mit heißem Wasser bringen translates to "Do not expose to hot water"
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
Topaz
(AAA Imperial Topaz, Imperial Katlang Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Multicoloured Ukranian Topaz, Royal White Topaz, Vermillion Imperial Topaz)
Treatment
None
explanation
N/A
Care Instructions
None
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
Topaz
(Bi Colour Topaz, Blue Topaz, Indigo blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz, Marambaia Topaz, Sky Blue Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz, White Topaz)
Treatment
Heating and/or irradiation
explanation
Generally used to create and/or enhance colour.
Care Instructions
None
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
Topaz
(Anniversary Topas, Lilac Topaz, Lotus Flower Topas, Morning Dew Topas, Peach coloured Mystic Topaz, Purple Mystic Topaz, Rainbow Topaz, Royal Blue Topaz, Siena Mystic Topaz)
Treatment
Surface treated, coated
explanation
Thin-film finishing by vapour deposition of nanoparticles consisting of various precious and semi-precious metals (including gold), oxides and nitrides, which are durable and long-lasting if care instructions are followed. Environmentally friendly process without harmful chemicals.
Care Instructions
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse well to remove soap residues. Remove gemstone jewellery before sports, gardening or housework. Store individually to avoid scratches.
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
Topaz
(Black Mystic Topaz, Blue Mystik Topaz, Canari Topaz, Capri Topaz, Flamingo Topaz, Glacier Topaz, Grape Topaz, Jungle Topaz, Kiwi Topaz, Kobaltblauer Topas, Moonlight Topaz, Moonlight Topaz, Mystic Topaz, Neon Blue Mystik Topaz, Neptune Topaz, Paraíba Topas, Pink Topaz, Purple Topaz, Red Topas, Rose Topaz, Sunset Mystic Topaz, Sunset Topaz)
Treatment
Heating, irradiation and PVD-coating (PVD process): US Patent Number 5,853,826 for Asotic Coating Technologies Inc)
explanation
Generally used to improve/strengthen the colour or to create unique colours. The physical coating with steam is an oxide treatment that uses optical interference to produce a variety of colours thanks to the application of a bonded layer of fine titanium atoms.
Care Instructions
Some stones fade or revert to their original colour when exposed to strong light; gemstones are not unnecessarily exposed to these conditions; coated or surface-treated gemstones cannot be resharpened and polished
Steam Cleaning
No
Ultrasonic Cleaning
No
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