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Topaz is a gemstone that is often yellow in color, but can also be pink, red, or blue due to treatments. Imperial Topaz is the most desirable. It was prized by ancient civilizations and is still highly valued today. It is evaluated for cut, color, and clarity and is a popular choice for jewelry. The best stones can cost up to $1,000 per carat.
Topaz is a precious gemstone that is often amber in color. When pure, this stone is colorless, but mineral additions create the typical yellow hue. The degree of yellows can vary, some leaning towards brown, while others are more greenish. The most desirable of the stones, however, is Imperial Topaz, which is brown with peach undertones.
Various treatments can significantly affect the color of the topaz. When exposed to heat, the color turns pink or red. Blue topaz is the result of irradiation of the stone, and these gems have become quite popular in recent years. A recently patented form of the stone, called Mystic Fire Topaz, involves first irradiating the stone to achieve the blue color, then coating the stone with chemicals to cause a multicolored effect.
Although it is now mined mainly in South America and Mexico, this gem was prized by ancient civilizations as well, and was available throughout Europe and Africa. However, most yellow stones, whether citrine or topaz, were called topaz by the ancient Greeks. This tradition continued until about 100 years ago, when the stones were more properly classified.
The Egyptians believed that the color of topaz in its natural form came directly from the sun god Ra. The wearer was said to have good eyesight and was also protected from evil spirits. The gem was also heralded as promoting good health and a serene mind.
Today, topaz is the birthstone for November, and it is also connected to the astrological sign of Sagittarius. Highly prized, peach-brown in color, Imperial Topaz is associated with royalty. It is the traditional gift of jewelry to celebrate the 23rd wedding anniversary as well.
Even when treated, this stone retains a hardness of approximately 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes the stone excellent for everyday wear, although jewelry must be removed by wearers when doing any hard physical work. Due to the way the stone crystallizes in a rough shape, it is most often available in emerald and pear cuts. Other cuts may not be available in larger sizes.
Like other crystallized gems, topaz is evaluated for cut, color, and clarity. It is also known for forming large gems with few inclusions. Therefore, one can choose exceptionally large 3-4 carat loose stones for pendants or rings.
The best stones tend to be priced around $500 US dollars (USD) per carat. Stones larger than 2-3 carats command a higher price per carat. The best quality imperial stones can cost considerably more, and can cost as much as $1,000 per carat.
Topaz will not make you invisible as the ancient Greeks believed, but it will in fact do the opposite. A large stone that seems to contain the sun within itself cannot fail to be noticed by others. Blue topaz, just like blue ocean water trapped in a gem, creates a beautiful look that is sure to be enjoyed.
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