Precious Topaz Gemstones

  • Hardness

    8.0 on the Mohs scale.

  • Occurrence

    Brazil, U.S., Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Myanmar (Burma), former USSR, Australia, Pakistan, Mexico, Tasmania, Japan, Africa. Topaz and citrine are the birthstones of the month of November.

  • Appearance

    Yellow topaz is sometimes called "precious topaz" to distinguish it from the names "gold" and "madeiria topaz", which are in fact citrine (quartz). Yellow topaz is sometimes heat treated to make it look pink. The term "imperial topaz" is used by ethical jewelers to refer to topaz that is reddish orange of medium tone and higher saturation.

  • Enhancements

    Yellow/Orange topaz is occasionally irradiated to intensify color. Pink/Red topaz is usually heat treated chromium bearing pinkish-brown to orange stones. Brown topaz is not enhanced. Green and blue topaz are usually irradiated to produce the desired color.

    More information on gemstone enhancements.

Precious Topaz Varieties
Precious Topaz Varieties

Topaz (Precious Topaz)
Topaz (Precious Topaz)

TPZ402
TPZ402
7.57 ct.
13.5x9.5mm Antique Cushion Cut
Medium
Vivid Yellowish Orange
Loupe Clean
[N] Not enhanced.
One of a kind.
Imperial Topaz