Topazes

In ancient times, this gem was considered the traditional stone of protection and was believed to be able to protect the wearer from harm. Topaz comes in many different colors, but most notably in the market is blue topaz, yellow topaz, and pink topaz. It also comes in colorless and green. This gem is at 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and the colors are stable to heat, light, and chemicals.

Blue Topaz

Blue topaz is the number one selling "non-traditional" colored gemstone on the market today. It is so popular that it has been added to the choices for a December birthstone. Blue topaz is colorless topaz or very pale blue topaz that has been treated by several different methods. One of a number of different irradiation techniques is utilized to turn the gem material blue. The irradiated material is then heat treated to finish the process. All blue topaz sold in the U.S. is tightly monitored and controlled by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which ensures there is no residual radiation in the material. A consumer does not have this protection for blue topaz purchased outside of the United States. This is true of all blue topaz on the market.

The color resembles aquamarine but the blue topaz has a more distinct blue color. London Blue, Swiss Blue, Sky Blue and Pacific Blue are a few of the well known colors used in jewelry. This stone is found in different parts of the world such as Brazil, Mexico, United States, Burma, the Ural Mountains, Namibia, and Nigeria.

Yellow Topaz

The yellow topaz can range in color from golden brown to honey yellow. This stone resembles citrine in color, but the yellow topaz is much warmer in color closer to an orange color. To determine if it is topaz or citrine, testing the density will tell the difference between the two. Yellow topaz can be found in Brazil, Russia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and the United States.

Pink Topaz

Pink topazes generally have a tint of yellow. It resembles the look of pink tourmalines, but pink topaz will have a tint of yellow. When the color is more intense in pink it is more valuable. The stone mainly comes from Brazil and the Ural Mountains.

This stone can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner but should not be left for an extended length of time. Gentle cleaning with jewelry cleaner on a soft swab would be the preferred method.

PrincessJewelry.com has a wide selection of gemstone jewelry.