Silver rings with topaz: features, how to choose and wear

One of the famous gemstones is topaz. When properly processed, it becomes truly beautiful and leaves no one indifferent. Topazes are recognized by their pronounced shine and variety of colors. At the same time, the stone is quite affordable in the price range.

General information about the mineral

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Basic physical properties

Topaz deposits

The Ilmen Mineralogical Reserve, located in the Urals in Russia, contains numerous topaz deposits in pegmatite veins.
Both colorless and colored topazes are found here, weighing up to 30 kg. The color and shape of the crystals depends on the specific mining sites. Thus, transparent topazes are located in drusy cavities of amazonite granite pegmatite. Blue and yellow topazes are found in vein granite pegmatites, bright blue topazes are found in complex granite-pegmatite layers, pink and cherry topazes are located in quartz veins.

The deposits of Brazil, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka are also rich in topaz.

Deposits in Ukraine

Zhytomyr Oblast

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Volodarsk-Volynskoe pegmatite field

• Pegmatite No. 206

Mine No. 2

• Pegmatite No. 429
• Pegmatite No. 468

Mine No. 3

• Pegmatite No. 569
• Pegmatite No. 597

Pit No. 373″

Transcarpathian region

Mukachevo district

• Podulki tract

PURITY

Topazes of all colors, except blue and colorless, according to the GIA classification of clarity of jewelry stones, belong to type II, usually with inclusions. When extracted, crystals, as a rule, contain mineral, gas-liquid inclusions, etching channels, and others.

Some crystals contain needle-like yellow-brown inclusions that can be mistaken for rutile, but when tested they may be channels filled with limonite.

As a rule, crystals of raw materials free from defects are selected for cutting. Therefore, when cut, topazes are often free of visible inclusions or imperfections. This is especially true for blue, colorless and yellow topaz, which are more common than pink and red.

In the case of the latter, about 1 percent of the extracted raw material is suitable for cutting.

History of topaz

Topazes were first discovered on the island of Topazios, located in the Red Sea basin, which is now called Zeberged.
The word itself has roots in two languages: from Greek it is translated “to seek”, and in Sanskrit it means “fire, heat”. The synonymous name for topaz is “heavyweights”, due to the high specific gravity of the gems.

The Sun, Pliny and the Pirates

The Egyptians associated topazes with Ra, the sun god. In the Roman Empire, the stone was dedicated to Jupiter (not a planet, but a deity). Indian sages believed that yellow topazes were the stones of the solar deity Vivasvat.

So, if you have yellow topaz, then the sun is your patron.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

For your information : ancient authors called peridot under the name topaz. Even the location of the island where it was mined was indicated precisely. Here Pliny's contribution was thrown into confusion. He told a story about pirates, an island in the fog, and sustenance from grass roots.

origin of name

Abroad it is: Topaz—Topas—Topaze.

Versions of the origin of the name:

1. From the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning "fire, heat".
2. From the Aramaic "tapuz" - orange.
3. Pliny the Elder argued that the name “topaz” came from the ancient Greek words “topazios” or “topazion” - the name of an island in the Red Sea (modern Zeberged). According to legend, it was there that a transparent golden-yellow stone was first discovered, which was called topaz. Modern scientists believe that Pliny was talking about another stone - chrysolite.

Physico-chemical characteristics of topaz

• According to the chemical composition, topazes are mixed aluminosilicates, which contain iron, chromium, and vanadium as impurities.
• Crystals are prismatic or short-columnar. Endowed with high cleavage and rhombic system. In size they are quite large, they can reach a weight of 60-80 kg and more.
• Natural stones are either colorless or come in a variety of colors ranging from golden yellow, pale blue, yellow, tan to violet-red and pink. In bright light they gradually become pale. Topaz is transparent with a glassy sheen.
• Hardness on the Mohs scale is 8, topaz is the standard for determining relative hardness.
• Density from 3.49 to 3.6 g/cm³.
• The light refraction is 1.606-1.638.
• At the fracture the stone is conchoidal. Resistant to external influences, insoluble in acids.

What to wear with a topaz silver ring

When choosing silver jewelry with topaz, pay attention to the universal classic models. They will suit any style of clothing; the color of the stone should either harmonize or contrast with the main tone of the outfit. Colorless stones will match any color of your wardrobe.

In addition to traditional classic shapes (such jewelry with clear crystal is often used as wedding rings), designers offer wide rings, unisex signets and modern fancy shapes. To complement a silver ring with topaz, you can buy earrings or a pendant of the same shade of the gem.

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Types of topaz

Topazes are classified depending on the color the stone is painted into the following types:

• Blue of varying brightness and saturation:

• London is the brightest;

• Swiss - medium color saturation;

• Sky blue is the lightest.

• Red and pink;

• Grey;

• Mystic topaz with a rainbow effect on the surface;

• "Imperial" is painted yellow, brown, red-brown or orange;

• Tea – light yellow topaz.

• Wine - from orange-yellow to brownish-pinkish color.

• Colorless.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Earrings with blue topaz gold pear
Depending on the color, varieties of topaz suit different zodiac signs.

• Blue stone is recommended to be worn by those born under the constellation Scorpio. It will help Scorpio become calmer, wiser, and make informed decisions dictated by the mind and heart. Will add softness and goodwill.
• Gems of blue, blue and green colors are suitable for Cancers. Cancers will become more cautious and their intuition will become sharper.
• For Pisces, as for Cancers, stones of blue and blue shades are also perfect. Thanks to topaz, Pisces will get rid of doubts and various anxieties and become more emotionally stable.
• Libra is one of the few signs for whom topaz is ideal. The stone will give you confidence both in yourself and in the future. It will relieve the ever-doubting Libra from doubts and fears and give them a lot of vitality to achieve their goals and objectives.
• Yellow and colorless minerals are suitable for Gemini. With the help of topaz, Gemini will be able to successfully fight their irritability and extinguish outbursts of anger.
• Aquarius can wear topaz, but the stone interacts best with Aquarius women, who are encouraged to wear the pink colors of the stone. This will help them attract love and find their soulmate in life.
• Taurus should beware of yellow shades of the stone; all other colors suit them. The mineral will give the Taurus protection from the negative energy of the people around him.
• For Virgos, unlike Taurus, on the contrary, yellow and golden topazes will help put their thoughts in order and put them in order. This will affect the effectiveness of the decisions made and will make it possible to make the right choices in any difficult situation.
• Capricorns will become more balanced if they prefer brown, green and lilac topaz.
• The bright colors of topaz, such as red, purple or gold, will bring good luck to Aries and add optimism. Such a talisman will save Aries from a lot of problems and worries, often for “empty”, far-fetched reasons.
• Topaz suits Leos. Especially yellow and golden colors. This gem promotes mutual understanding with people, will help to establish contacts, will make Leo more open, and will add sensuality to Lionesses.
• Sagittarius is highly recommended to acquire topaz; for this zodiac sign it is a powerful amulet, a protector from bad, hypocritical people and energy vampires. With the help of topaz, Sagittarius will be able to quickly replenish their energy and mental strength.

Topaz can have a negative impact on a dishonest person, destroying relationships built on lies and negatively influencing those people whose thoughts are not distinguished by purity of intentions.

The magical properties of topaz

Beautiful talismans made from topaz are suitable for those who find it difficult to express emotions and feelings, communicate freely with people, that is, introverts and reserved individuals.
The stone has the ability to increase communication skills, and also sharpens intuition, and helps in solving problematic issues. In addition, blue topaz is credited with the properties of an assistant in making the most unrealistic fantasies and dreams come true. Perhaps the whole point is that the stone gives the owner self-confidence and becomes a source of inspiration and strength for new achievements.

Origin

The mineral is confined to pegmatite veins, but selectively. There are many pegmatites in which topaz is absent. Pneumatolytic processes in pegmatites - the place and time of crystal birth.

Sherry topaz from Utah, USA

Raw Topaz

Blue Topaz Crystal

Greisens contain transparent gemstone crystals.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

For those interested : there are igneous topaz-containing vein rocks. Such rocks are described in Mongolia and are called ongonites.

The healing properties of topaz

In lithotherapy, that is, treatment using precious and semi-precious stones, topaz has been used for a long time and in a variety of situations.
At the moment, it is believed that this mineral has a calming effect, helps with headaches and depression, that is, it is endowed with a generally harmonizing and balancing effect on the body. It is believed that when women constantly wear jewelry with topaz, the aging process slows down, and wisdom comes to men.

It has been noted that topazes have a positive effect on bronchial asthma, gout, and high blood pressure.

Description and properties

Officially, topaz is classified as a semi-precious stone, but its beauty, demand and cost have pushed it into the precious segment.

The shade depends on the depth of occurrence. The smaller it is, the more transparent the stone. Topaz is a monochrome stone, some specimens have bright multi-colors, for example, wine yellow and blue. Crystals are multifaceted, which creates a fabulous play of shades.

The peculiarity of topaz is its color variability. But it does not depend on impurities, like other crystals, but on flaws in the crystal lattice. The coloring is clean, without haze or haze. Due to friction and temperature changes, it becomes electrified, which causes slight tingling sensations on the skin.

The mineral has a high density, which is why it received the nickname “heavyweight” in Rus'. In the sun it becomes discolored. Heat treatment makes the color of topaz rich.

Branches of application of topaz

The main use for topaz is jewelry, where it is widely used in the manufacture of a wide variety of jewelry due to its rich color palette.
In addition, the stone has found use in lithotherapy and for determining the hardness of other stones.

Topaz colors

Topaz is characterized by a rich variety of colors. They are colorless, brown, wine yellow, blue, pink, golden, orange and reddish orange. So-called "polychrome" topaz has also been discovered with different colors on the same stone, usually a combination of blue and wine yellow.

It is interesting that the color of the stone does not depend on the presence of impurities, but is explained by structural defects, namely, the absence of certain atoms. For example, blue color appears when there is a lack of oxygen atoms, yellow when there is a fluorine vacancy. If the stone is heated, the color disappears, but in the case of radioactive irradiation, on the contrary, it intensifies.

Topaz is a stone that suits everyone

It happens like this: you like a stone, but it doesn’t suit your color type. Warm color types do not suit cool colors, and cold colors do not suit warm colors. What to do if you like the stone and really want to wear it? I really like topaz in this planet - very few stones can boast such a variety of colors and shades! Adding to this the “light” character of the stones themselves, we get a piece of jewelry that can be worn always and everywhere. This is not a stone that is shrouded in gloomy rumors, which is not suitable for everyone, changes fate, sending difficulties 1 on the contrary, topaz is very positive and spontaneous. Therefore, I invite everyone, everyone, to get acquainted with the hero of our article today

Topaz is a transparent mineral with regularly cut columnar crystals. Most often, topazes are colorless, but sometimes they have a yellow, blue, pink or other tint; less often they combine several shades. It is a well-known and widespread mineral. The origin of its name is unclear. Some believe that the stone is named after the island of Topazos, where it was first discovered. Others argue that topaz is a derivative of “tapas” (“fire”, “heat” in Sanskrit). The stone is an island silicate.

Topaz deposits are very extensive and scattered throughout the world. The largest of them are located in Germany, Burma, the USA, Australia, Afghanistan, Norway, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and Tajikistan. Primitive jewelry made from the mineral was discovered at sites of primitive people in the Urals. The size of the stone can be simply gigantic. Samples weighing more than 100 kilograms have been found. Nowadays, most of the stones are mined in Brazil. The deposits are rich in minerals of various colors. Blue and transparent crystals, as well as orange-red ones, are especially valued.

Topaz has a glassy luster and high fragility in the cleavage directions. He is very transparent. In hardness, the stone is second only to diamond and corundum. The mineral is very sensitive to sunlight. It can burn out and completely lose color. Fortunately, the natural color of the stone can be restored. To do this, it is enough to keep it in the dark for several days. Almost all topaz crystals have a flat bottom.

The most common are yellow gems, but their variety is not limited to this color. The mineral can be colorless, blue, pink, red, violet, brown, golden yellow and pink yellow. The rarest and most valuable are pink topazes. They are mined in Pakistan. A rare variety of the mineral is a stone wrapped in a grayish “shirt”. The color of the crystals is not affected by their chemical composition and the presence of impurities. They owe their color to defects in the structure of the atomic lattice.

Most topazes used in modern jewelry have an ennobled color. The colorless crystals are irradiated with harmless rays until they turn brown, then heated and the topaz turns blue or light blue.

It is very difficult even for a specialist to distinguish a stone with a natural color from a processed topaz. A sure external sign that some work has been done on the coloring is an overly saturated, “chemical” color. Natural crystals have warm and soft colors. If the jewelry contains bright blue or light blue topaz, then most likely the stone is imported and has been processed. The disadvantage of artificially obtained color is its instability and discoloration over time.

Cheaper varieties of citrine are often passed off as minerals. “Bohemian”, “Indian”, “Spanish” topazes, rauchtopaz have nothing in common with the real mineral. These are simply fired smoky quartz. Instead of cut topaz, other natural or synthetic stones may be sold. Thus, blue topaz is similar to aquamarine and zircon, tea topaz is similar to tourmaline and zircon, colorless is similar to rock crystal.

Only an experienced jeweler can accurately determine the difference between real topaz and a fake. An ordinary buyer can only test the stone for hardness. Topaz is harder than quartz and leaves scratches when rubbed across it. When the stone touches warm skin, a cooling sensation is felt. This phenomenon is due to the low thermal conductivity of the stone. Natural gems have cracks, minor inclusions or other defects. Artificial stones are ideal in their shape and structure.

Topaz is cut in several types:

• emerald;
• diamond;
• cabochon;
• oval
• and fantasy.

Stone carvings are often done. They are used to make sets, rings, bracelets, and pendants. The price of topazes depends not only on the weight, color and transparency of the stone, but also on the quality of its processing. Stones must be protected from temperature fluctuations and impacts along the cleavage directions.

In the Xlll century, the book “Book of Wings” (Ragiel) was written and contains the first mention of the topaz stone. Ragiel (Raziel) is a mythological character whose name means “The Secret of the Lord.” Ragiel is the personification of knowledge in Kabbalah; it is likely that such a character did not exist in reality. The Book of Wings has similar roots to the legends of Solomon and Hermes. This book explains how the power of cut gemstones can be used by people. Here is what is said about topaz in an ancient manuscript: “The figure of a falcon engraved on topaz helps to gain the favor of kings, princes and magnates.”

The history of topaz is quite complicated. It is enough to mention the fact that ancient documents mention greenish topaz. Most likely, this means chrysolite or peridot. Conversely, peridot was often confused with yellow topaz. Literally, peridot meant “golden stone”; golden topaz “imperial” was often confused with peridot in ancient times.

Jewelry with topaz is a good amulet for merchants and businessmen. The yellow stone allows you to identify deception and expose intriguers. Yellow topazes are intended for leaders and masters of life. They help control other people, defeat enemies and repel the attacks of envious people. The mineral gives strength to lead large teams and make great plans. Another positive property of yellow topaz is its ability to restore will and love for life. This helps people who are depressed or have lost their zest for life. The stone will cleanse the soul from the blues and enlighten thoughts. Its warm glow will bring joy and peace.

The delicate color of topaz can soften even the hardest heart. Therefore, the mineral was considered the stone of courtiers, because they needed to fight for the favor of the monarch and beware of opponents. Nowadays, topaz is the stone of lawyers, politicians, major executives and other dignitaries. He helps them understand the intricacies of their career and keep their soul and conscience clear.

Red-orange topaz imperial is a love and erotic amulet. It makes partners more attractive in each other's eyes, ignites passion and awakens romance. Sailors respected topaz for its ability to calm storms. In family life, this property also manifests itself, reducing the intensity of passions in quarrels and helping to find ways of reconciliation. Topaz also brings material wealth and financial well-being to the home.

When imperials first began to be mined in Brazil, these were the only gems of particular importance from the municipality of Ouro Preto. It was they who were presented to the royalty of Brazil, which is why the stone received the appropriate name - “imperial”. According to another, more philistine version, gem traders gave this status name to the stone in order to draw a clear line between golden citrines and orange-pink topazes, which were mined in the same region.

The line that separates imperials from ordinary topaz is very thin, but very important, because the difference in price is tens, or even hundreds of times! Depending on the color, imperial topaz can reach a price from $200 to $2000 per carat (the richer the shade and the more pronounced the pink undertone, the more expensive the stone). By the way, the obligatory criterion for imperial topaz is a Brazilian deposit.

For uncommunicative and taciturn people, a stone with a blue color is suitable. It will give you self-confidence and add sociability. Pink topazes relieve stress and relieve depression. It is believed that a mineral with this rare color can protect against betrayal and the pangs of jealousy. Topazes help students and scientists gather their thoughts, express themselves clearly, be smart and judicious.

Topazes are very suitable for people who have embarked on the path of self-development and improvement. They bestow purity of thoughts and aspirations, fill the soul with goodness and joy. For women, the stone helps preserve beauty and youth, for men - prudence and generosity.

A talisman with topaz is used as a means to attract good luck, material wealth, and success in professional activities. As a talisman, topaz brings wealth and recognition, and stimulates intelligence. Helps to gain the favor and favor of those around you. Gives honesty, objectivity, liberalism. Topaz brings beauty to women, wisdom to men. Topaz is recommended to be taken with you by a person going on a trip.

Topaz is a stone of wealth and recognition, so it is very suitable for people who are in an unstable financial situation or feel a lack of communication with friends. It will help attract the friendship and affection of others to the one who wears it. In addition, it brings recognition and wealth to the owner. Promotes increased optimism and inner enlightenment.

Topaz is very popular today among jewelers all over the world. This stone is even remembered in the Bible - in Aaron's breastplate. Topaz is a stone that is very diverse: this name is absolutely rightfully borne by both the rarest green gems, whose price can be equal to the annual budget of a small state, and cloudy white stones that cost less than high-quality rhinestones. Therefore, each of us can choose jewelry with topaz to suit our pocket. In addition, topazes of natural colors can be matched to the color of the owner’s eyes - clear blue stones will definitely suit blue-eyed people, amber or light hazel stones will definitely suit brown-eyed people.

Varieties of topaz with photos.

Depending on the color, the mineral has the following varieties:

— “White Topaz” (white topaz) is the name given to colorless crystals;

- “Tea.” Russian term for the pale yellow variety;

— “Imperial Topaz” (imperial topaz) is a valuable variety of the mineral that has a rich yellow-orange, orange-brown hue;

— “Sherry Topaz” (sherry). In Russia known as “wine topaz”. Has a shade from orange-yellow to brown-pink;

- “Silver Topaz” (silver) - colorless variety;

- “Rutilated Topaz” (rutile) - a mineral with rutile. It has inclusions of limonite and external similarities with rutile quartz;

— “Saxon peridots” are a very rare yellow-green variety of natural crystals. The change occurred under the influence of natural radiation. They are classified as collectible stones.

The most popular shades of the mineral on the jewelry market and their commercial names:

— “Swiss blue topaz” is a mineral of a rich, bright blue color. The color is obtained as a result of heat treatment;

- “London blue topaz” is a dark blue topaz with a slight hint of gray or green. Obtained solely by annealing;

— “Sky blue topaz” is a light blue stone, reminiscent of a clean, clear sky. Also the result of heat treatment, but a mineral of this color can also be found in nature;

- Champagne - meaning Champagne. Crystals with a soft, refined, radiant hue. Very popular;

— “Mystic topaz” is the name of the processed jewelry crystal. Special technology and a metal film on the surface give the stone a rainbow tint. This “variety” represents the category of fake stones. All its beauty is lost quite quickly;

- “Azotic Topaz” (Azotik) - orange-yellow topaz, inside with rainbow tints. Variant of “Mystic Topaz”. The technology for its production has been developed.

If you have purchased your own topaz, how to wear it correctly with clothes, how to choose color combinations?

The easiest option is to choose clothes of the same color as the stone (optionally, a darker or lighter shade). This looks good if we are talking about a dress (for example, an evening or cocktail dress): keep the entire set of dress + shoes + handbag + jewelry in the same color with metal dilutions (gold or silver, depending on the frame of the jewelry with topaz).

But this is not the only way to wear topaz. We give a hint which color combinations will be appropriate:

Blue and blue topazes - to white, cold gray, to golden and sand (if the stones are in gold), to ecru and “coffee with milk” shades. It is better not to combine blue and blue stones with opposite colors (yellow and orange), as this is too much of a “parrot” contrast for an image with jewelry.

Pink topazes - for lilac, dirty lilac, gray, white. The combination of pink and black is harmonious, but in practice, jewelry with delicate pink stones looks too “infantile” against the backdrop of black clothes, and a black dress with such jewelry will seem overly gloomy.

Brown shades of stone can suit almost any clothing, we will not make exceptions - it all depends on the specific items and the design of the jewelry itself. Always appropriate combinations are with yellow, mustard, various shades of green (but not flashy bright!), and blue.

White (transparent) topazes can be combined with any colors of clothing.

Amber-colored topazes are combined with bright clothes - blue, azure, emerald, yellow. But such a stone will decorate both gray and chocolate brown clothes.

Mystic and nitrogen topaz are artificially created stones with iridescence of various shades. “Mystic” is darker, “Azotik” is brighter. Both of these options are good with dark clothes, pastel and muted colors of fabrics.

Of course, it is worth remembering that the more expensive the stone, the more expensive and better quality the clothing should be.

Blue topazes are stones for evening dressing, for going out on a special occasion. Yellow can be worn with casual, but good quality items in a classic style. White topazes can be worn with your regular wardrobe; these stones are valued as ornamental stones and are rarely even set in precious metals.

Can topaz be worn with other precious or semi-precious stones? Yes! In jewelry, topazes are sometimes combined with other stones, most often according to the principle - cheaper stones surround the central, more expensive one. For example, if the jewelry is with sapphire, topazes will probably only be an addition to the “title” stone.

If you are independently selecting jewelry with stones in addition to jewelry with topaz, then you can consider the entire range of transparent stones. Topaz is often worn in pairs with aquamarine, amethyst, harmonious combinations with diamonds... Although, diamonds and rock crystal, despite their visual compatibility, are not recommended to be worn with topazes.

Now let's admire topaz in jewelry

Earrings:

Rings:

Pendants:

We hope you liked our article and were interested in learning something new for yourself.

What is the purity of topaz and how to determine it?

It was previously thought that topaz could be exclusively blue, but it later became clear that this was not the case. And the main indicator of the purity and quality of topaz is its color, which is assessed by gemologists either by visual inspection or using various auxiliary devices, for example, a jewelry loupe.

Talismans and amulets

The best talisman will be topaz inherited from a blood relative, but the donated stone will not have magical powers. To subjugate the royal topaz, you need to choose it and buy it yourself.

The “Siberian heavyweight” is called the amulet of travelers, sailors (to protect against natural disasters), married couples (protects marital fidelity), philosophers, writers and people of mental work (relieves nervous tension and awakens imagination).

Artificial topaz

The creation of artificial topaz has not yet been developed, but natural stones are not always available for sale.
Thus, synthetic rubies or sapphires are passed off as topazes. They are similar to topaz in physical and chemical properties, and their artificial production is not difficult. In addition, there are counterfeits of topaz made of quartz and glass. Rauchtopaz, which is actually smoky quartz, is confused with natural topaz.

How to distinguish real topaz from a fake:

• The most accessible and simple way is to rub the stone against woolen fabric. Natural topaz becomes electrified and paper sticks to it.
• Natural topaz is one of the hardest stones; it can leave scratches on the surface of quartz and crystal, unlike fakes.
• Fake topazes quickly heat up in your hands, while natural ones remain cool for a long time.
• The surface of artificial topaz is always perfectly smooth, but natural stones are always endowed with minor defects and cracks.
• Very bright topazes of poisonous colors are not found in nature; their shades are always calm and gentle, and therefore excessive brightness can be a sign of a fake.
• When immersed in methylene iodide, real topaz sinks to the bottom of the vessel, and the fake topaz floats on the surface.

Where is it mined?

Our planet is rich in various minerals, but topazes are mined in only a few countries:

• Pakistan. Small stones are found here; they have a characteristic color and good quality.
• Afghanistan. It is not rich in mineral deposits, but there are topazes in Afghanistan, albeit in small quantities.
• Russia. In our country, crystals can only be found in the Urals.
• Brazil. It is the main supplier of imperial topaz to the world market. The stones mined in this country are of good quality and large in size.
• USA. Only in the territory of one state, Utah, are gems being mined that meet all the stated requirements.

Topaz Imperial today is perceived as the name of a brand, plus the wording “precious” is added to it. In our country, topazes are not classified as precious stones, according to the law. But in other countries, such a definition characterizes not only the quality of crystals, but also their price.

How to care for topaz

Topazes and jewelry with them are stored, wrapped in silk cloth, so that they do not touch each other, in a cool, dark place.
They wear jewelry with them, observing the following rules:

• Put on after applying makeup and styling so as not to spoil the stone.
• They are protected from impacts, since due to the ideal basal cleavage, in the event of a sharp blow, topaz can split, and from the action of acids.
• Since topazes lose light at high temperatures and exposure to sunlight, they must be protected from such influences.
• Cleaning of products should be gentle without the use of mechanical or ultrasonic devices.

Cleaning topaz jewelry:

Warm water is poured into a basin, a few drops of dishwashing detergent are added and the jewelry is immersed in it for 15 minutes. Then they are removed from the water and lightly brushed with a soft toothbrush, after which they are rinsed with water and dried with a napkin.

Shapes and cuts

Let us recall once again the indicative, one might say, standard transparency of topaz. This property is so obvious that it allows the curious and those who decide to add new jewelry to their home jewelry box to practically look into the mineral into the very depths of its soul. You can examine the quality of the stone even without special magnifying devices, as the total number of natural inclusions will be so clearly visible. Yes, as in the case of sapphires, you can’t live without them, and the absence of small defects should only alert you: there are simply no perfect topazes without any inclusions.

But the presence of such features is determined by the cut; it is this cut, chosen correctly, that can create the illusion of the absence of natural inclusions. As for the form, jewelers adore topaz precisely for the opportunity to experiment endlessly. And don't spoil anything. Even by accident.

Prices for topaz products

Prices for topazes vary depending on their properties. The most valuable and expensive are red, pink, blue and dark blue topazes. They are priced from $300-600 per carat. Yellow and brown topaz are somewhat cheaper. And the cost of finished jewelry is influenced by the metal that was used as a setting for the stone.

Varieties

Divided by color:

• The most common colorless topaz (sometimes called white). Could be confused with diamonds. But topazes do not have the famous diamond shine.
• Yellow . A lot of them. Color ranges from pale yellow to greenish.
• Pink . They are not found often, but the price for topaz is moderate. Maybe because there is a synthetic analogue.

• Blue . Also rare. There are several shades of color, Sky Blue is the most common.
• Blue (dark blue). Commercial name "London". Looks like sapphire. The darker the shade, the more valuable the crystal.
• Rainbow (mystic or nirvana topaz). An ordinary colorless crystal (sometimes it is not even topaz, but quartz or cubic zirconia). Only a special film is sprayed onto it, then it is “frozen”.

Bukanov writes: “Transparent crystals of topaz, covered with a white crust similar to tooth enamel, are called “horse teeth.”

Interesting facts about topaz

• Topaz was a popular decoration for the crowns of kings and sultans of various countries. For example, the colorless Braganza topaz, weighing about 330 g, was mistaken for a diamond and adorned the crown of the King of Portugal. Its cost was estimated at 57 million pounds sterling.
• In Russia, topazes were known as "heavyweights" and "Siberian diamonds" starting in the 18th century. But the places where they were mined were very quickly depleted and abandoned.
• One of the most famous topaz is called “Akademik Fersman” (pictured), its weight is 2.117 kg, the stone was discovered in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine.
• The amazing “Fairy Tale” topaz weighs 2.2 kg and is distinguished by the fact that its transparent body contains fluorites in the shape of dandelions.