History, properties and uses of pink topaz

Pink topaz is a stone that is rarely found in nature. This shade, along with red, makes jewelry sophisticated. The cost of a stone with a rare pink tint, which weighs about 1 gram, reaches up to 5 thousand dollars, and some specimens are even more expensive. It is worth considering that topaz is not a precious stone, but a semi-precious one.

Pink topaz stone in silver

History and origin

Ring “Mirage” blue topaz London blue
The history of London Blue topaz began in England. The London master, by irradiating a colorless or pale blue crystal with neutrons, managed to give it a rich blue color. However, there were also negative aspects to this technology - the irradiated stone emitted high levels of radiation, which made it unsafe for use.

To neutralize radioactive radiation, topazes were placed in a special chamber for at least 1 year. Only after careful checking and the absence of radiation were the gems handed over to the master for cutting. This technology has improved over time, but the principle of producing London topaz is still used today.

Physicochemical characteristics

London Blue Topaz is a refined colorless topaz of natural origin, which in chemical composition is aluminum orthosilicate.

The mineral formula is Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2. Impurities present in the composition are iron, titanium, silicon, vanadium.

Main physical characteristics:

How to spot a fake

Natural topaz of rich dark shades is often counterfeited. Instead, artificial minerals or glass are used. If the presence of an ennobled crystal is confirmed on the product tag, there is no falsification.

Evaluation factors

To distinguish an original from a fake, pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Color . Unnatural shade and excessive brightness are the main signs of colored glass.
2. Form . Small defects are visible in natural stone, but fake stone is smooth.
3. Hardness _ Real pink topaz will leave scratches on quartz.

An easy way to spot a fake is to hold the gem in your hand. The naturally occurring crystal gives a tingling sensation.

The second method is to wipe the stone with a piece of wool. If fluff is stuck to the surface, the gem is genuine.

Production and deposits

London Blue is a natural gem that, under the influence of radioactive radiation, acquired a rich blue color. Topazes with similar colors exist in nature, but this term applies exclusively to artificially colored specimens.

Colorless topaz (bottom right) grown on a polychrome tourmaline crystal. Afghanistan

The basis for obtaining London Blue topaz are colorless samples of natural origin. They are mined in Germany, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Pakistan, USA, Namibia, Great Britain and Sri Lanka. In Russia, deposits of colorless stones are located in the Ilmen Mountains.

A little history

It is still unknown exactly where the mineral received such an interesting name. According to one legend, stones similar to topazes were discovered on an uninhabited island that had a similar name - Topazios. Nowadays the island is called Seberget.

According to the second version, the name of the stone was given by the word “heat”, which in Sanskrit had a similar sound - tapas.

But the Greeks claim that it was they who gave the crystals a beautiful name. Translated from Greek, topazos means “search.”

However, this is no longer so important, since it is impossible to determine which of the disputants is right. Much more interesting is the fact that for many years Russia was one of the largest suppliers of topaz in the whole world. The crystals were discovered in the Urals; for this reason, jewelers around the world have long called blue topaz “Siberian diamond.”

But the mineral also received this name for its properties: it was durable, strong, and after cutting it began to shine like a diamond.

At the beginning of the 18th century, light blue and transparent topazes could be found on the market. Later, in the lands of the Urals, it was possible to discover pink crystals, which are rare in nature. The Ural deposits were known all over the world, and jewelers chose stones mined on Russian soil for their work. This is understandable, because the scale of the finds was amazing; the weight of some specimens was up to 30 kg.

The pride of the Kochkarsky meganticlinorium, located in the Southern Urals, are crystals of red-violet, crimson and pink shades.

Alas, over the years of work, the deposits of the Urals have almost completely exhausted themselves. Now topazes of various colors are mined in many countries. In Russia, Transbaikalia is considered the main region for crystal mining.

But if you plunge into the history of the USSR, you can discover a lot of interesting things. A remarkable fact is the discovery of a stone weighing more than 100 kg in Ukraine. This happened in 1965 at the Volyn deposit; the topaz had a height of 82 cm.

Today, it is quite difficult to find jewelry inlaid with topazes from Siberia on the market. The leaders in crystal mining are considered to be Brazil, the USA and Germany.

Russia's monopoly did not last long, but the Urals gave the world many beautiful stones of various shades.

Gold ring with topaz

The difference between London Blue topaz and fakes and other minerals

The gem is in demand among lovers of jewelry stones, but at the same time, it is not affordable for everyone. This leads to the presence of a large number of fake stones in jewelry stores and at fairs. For these purposes, natural stones are used - aquamarine or colored quartz, as well as synthetic analogues - ceramic glass or high-quality processed glass.

London Blue and Aquamarine

Ring with London Blue topaz and silver zircons
Cheaper aquamarine has a color similar to blue topaz, so they often try to pass it off as this gem. However, there are differences between these two stones:

• Aquamarine has a soft blue color, while London Blue has a muted blue color.
• Topaz has a density that is several times higher than aquamarine. If both minerals are placed in water, the topaz will sink to the bottom of the container, and the aquamarine will remain on the surface.
• Aquamarine has a lower refractive index (1.56-1.59) compared to London Blue topaz (1.60-1.64). You can check this indicator using a special device - a refractometer.

London Blue and glass-ceramic

A synthetic analogue of London topaz is glass-ceramic, a glass-like specimen with absolute transparency. According to one version, the name comes from two words – glass and crystal. According to another version, the name of the analogue is based on the chemical elements of the composition - silicium and aluminum.

Sitalls are grown in laboratory conditions from quartz sand with inclusions of metal nanoparticles. Synthetic crystals are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and external influences, costing several times less than their analogues. It is impossible to visually distinguish glass ceramic from real London Blue topaz; this will require the expertise of a gemologist.

London Blue and glass

Silver ring with London topaz
The cheapest imitation of London topaz are crystals made of quartz or painted glass. Such analogues can be recognized with the naked eye by the following characteristics:

• Real topaz has a high hardness index (8 points) compared to quartz (6 points) and glass (5 points). If you run a natural gem across the glass, it will leave a mark in the form of a scratch.
• The glass copy has too much shine, and the color is uniform, lacking smooth transitions from one tone to another.
• Real topaz becomes electrified when rubbed against woolen fabric, attracting small particles of thread or paper.
• Quartz or glass is several times lighter than topaz.
• Natural topaz remains cool if you squeeze it in the palm of your hand for a long time, but the glass heats up immediately.

To protect yourself from buying a fake stone, you should require a certificate from the seller with information about the origin of the mineral and its physical and chemical properties.

Varieties and colors

The pink gem comes in several colors. You can evaluate the varieties of topaz from the photo:

• Imperial (imperial). It comes in rich pink, salmon, lotus, cranberry, raspberry, orange-red, and purple. Brazilian is considered classic, but the market offers stones labeled “imperial” from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other countries.

Ring with imperial pink topaz

• Peach. Jewelers value the pure transparent color of the mineral.

Peach Topaz

• Pinkish orange, champagne pink color. Cheaper than the first three, but just as effective.

Pinkish-orange topaz

• Red. A rare species. It has a high value due to the impossibility of counterfeiting: it becomes cloudy during processing.

Earrings with red topaz

• Misty Rose. A hazy pink powdery gem created by Swarovski jewelers.

Misty Rose topaz ring

Red and pink stones under the Imperial brand are especially valued.

Medicinal properties

Earrings with London Blue topaz
London Blue Topaz, as a talisman of health, is recommended to be worn on the second finger of the right hand. A ring or ring with a mineral will have a therapeutic and preventive effect for the following pathologies:

• dysfunction of childbirth in men and women;
• decreased vision;
• hypertension;
• low blood clotting;
• frequent viral and infectious diseases;
• headache;
• diseases of the nervous system.

Like all blue stones, London Blue Topaz has positive effects on mental health. It eliminates anxiety and panic, relieves insomnia and nightmares, and is used as an adjunct to the main treatment of depression and schizophrenia.

The magic of mineral

Ring with London topaz and cubic zirconias
Due to its natural origin, refined London Blue topaz is endowed with magical properties. It reduces the level of conflict, suppresses such negative character traits as temper, irritability, and lack of restraint. In return, the stone bestows wisdom, peace of mind, and regularity in thoughts and actions.

It is believed that blue topaz can sharpen the inner sense and awaken the gift of clairvoyance. This is an effective talisman against the evil eye, envy and the intrigues of ill-wishers. London topaz will bring intriguers and liars to light.

London Blue develops logic and analytical skills. This is the stone of leaders who subjugate the will of other people. The only condition in this case is good intentions.

Who suits pink topaz according to their zodiac sign?

The only sign incompatible with the stone is Taurus. The mineral corresponds well to the energy of Pisces and Aquarius. With its help, the former will improve communication skills and overcome uncertainty, while the latter will normalize their emotional state. Scorpios are considered lovers of pink topaz, as it allows them to show their best character traits.

Jewelry with a gem will make Virgo, Capricorn and Libra more calm. For representatives of the element of Fire, the crystal will give wisdom and save them from selfishness and arrogance.

Aries and Leo should wear champagne colored stones. Under the influence of pink topaz, Gemini will become focused and disciplined. Cancers will get rid of shyness.

Application area

Earrings with London topaz
London Blue topaz is too expensive, so its main use is in the jewelry industry. Bracelets, necklaces, brooches and tiaras are encrusted with blue stones. Faceted inserts of London topaz are refined into precious metals, resulting in elegant earrings, pendants and rings.

After processing, the stone becomes brittle, so items exposed to mechanical stress (for example, rings, bracelets) should be worn with caution.

Rules of care

The rules for caring for the stone are the same as for other precious gems, but there are specifics.

1. Topaz is very hard, but easily chips or scratches. Therefore, jewelry is protected from falls, shocks, and other mechanical influences.
2. The stone does not tolerate temperature swings, cosmetics, or household chemicals.
3. Gentle cleaning of jewelry is acceptable - leave in a warm soapy solution for 20 minutes, rub with a soft brush or cloth, and dry. But it is better to contact a jeweler, since soaking or using inappropriate substances will damage the stone.
4. A piece of jewelry with an expensive mineral is worthy of a personal soft box from the inside.
5. Pink topaz is contraindicated for prolonged exposure to the sun. It fades, discolors, becoming gray. Natural specimens are especially vulnerable. Those that have undergone thermal hardening are more stable, but they also cannot withstand the harsh sun. Pink topaz gem is an evening stone.

The precious mineral should not be tired by constant wearing; it is enough to wear jewelry on appropriate occasions.

Storage and care

London Blue, like other varieties of topaz, is not resistant to aggressive environments. In order for the mineral to maintain its integrity and original color, certain rules must be followed:

1. Do not wear products with stones in sunny weather, do not leave them in direct sunlight.
2. Avoid contact with water (both fresh and salty); the product must be removed before visiting the beach, pool, bath or sauna.
3. Avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes.
4. Protect the stone from the influence of any chemicals, be it household chemicals or cosmetics.
5. Avoid mechanical impact - sharp impacts, falling from a height, squeezing, chipping.
6. Store London topaz in a separate box or case with soft padding inside at room temperature with average humidity.
7. Clean the stone periodically using a damp cloth. Immediately after wiping it should be dried. In case of severe contamination, it is better to take the crystal to a jeweler for cleaning.

London Blue Topaz is not intended for everyday wear. Jewelry with this mineral is classified as premium, so they are worn mainly in the evening and at night for social events and gala receptions.

How to wear and care

Topaz is delicate and requires careful care.

How to wear

The delicate shade makes the gem a feminine attribute. Stones of discreet or cool colors are suitable for men: a tie clip and cufflinks will complement a business suit.

Gold ring with pink topaz

The frame of the jewelry is selected according to the type of appearance:

• white leather - silver, platinum, white gold;
• peach-colored leather - rose, red or yellow gold.

Light tones of stone in silver will suit young people, while mature ladies will be decorated with inserts of a more saturated color in gold.

The products are appropriate for a business, romantic, evening wardrobe.

If you are lucky enough to become the owner of jewelry with pink natural topaz, it must be protected from ultraviolet radiation.

The stone looks most advantageous in the evening or in artificial light.

How to care

Clean products in warm water with soap or neutral detergent. If necessary, leave it in the solution for 20 minutes, then clean it (without pressing) with a brush.

Earrings with pink topaz

The physical properties and characteristics of pink topaz determine the rules for using jewelry with it:

• jewelry is worn when the hair is done and makeup is applied: cosmetics make the stone dull;
• Topaz is best worn in the evening; in the sun it fades to the point of discoloration;
• At home, jewelry is removed, especially before household chores: household chemicals can damage the stone.

Store separately, wrapped in soft cloth.

London Blue and Zodiac Signs

Gold earrings with London topazes and cubic zirconias
Among the zodiac signs that London topaz patronizes are:

• Aries - for this sign London Blue is a talisman of love. The stone ignites feelings and preserves them for a long time.
• Gemini - the gem will have a positive impact on the character of this sign. It will reduce the level of conflict and irritation in communication with others, and eliminate mental anxiety.
• Libra - the stone will relieve you of obstacles on the way to your cherished goal.
• Scorpios - for this sign the mineral will become a talisman of good luck and rapid career growth.
• Capricorns - London Blue topaz will help you become more reasonable and wiser. For women, this stone will emphasize attractiveness.
• Pisces - the gem will bring romance and love into the life of this sign.

It is not recommended for Aquarius and Taurus to wear the gem. The energy of these signs is incompatible with the stone, so it can bring trouble to its owner not only in professional activities, but also in personal life.

Cancers, Leos, Virgos and Sagittarius can use London Blue topaz exclusively as decoration, since this gem will not reveal any beneficial properties to them.

Species diversity depending on color and value scale

The color of the crystals varies from light to rich dark shades.

Depending on the color intensity there are:

1. Reds . The rarest stones. When you try to process them, they become cloudy, so they cannot be faked.
2. Imperial . High quality gems suitable for jewelry. Crystals received this name from the middle of the 18th century. These topazes can be the color of ripe raspberry, cranberry, lotus, salmon or red-orange. Imperial crystals are traditionally mined near the city of Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais, Brazil). But under this brand they sell specimens from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Asian countries.
3. Peach . Jewelers are in demand for transparent minerals without foreign inclusions.
4. Champagne . The color is characterized by an orange tint.

This gem belongs to the second row of stones, which include amethyst, tourmaline, beryl, and opal. But transparent topazes with a bright shine are not inferior in value to sapphires, diamonds, and rubies.

Both natural and artificial pink stone is considered more expensive compared to yellow or blue. Rare red and imperial specimens command a high price.

Compatibility with other stones

Topaz London Blue captivates with its deep color. In jewelry it looks expensive and presentable without any additions. In some cases, the blue hue of the gem is emphasized by the shine of diamonds or amethysts, combining precious stones with each other.

Precious white metals - high-quality silver, white gold and platinum - emphasize beauty and enhance energy.