Topaz
| Category |
| Topaz |
| Crystal Form |
| Orthorhombic |
| Moh's Scale Hardness |
| 8.0 |
| Specific Gravity |
| 3.54 |
| Refractive Index |
| 1.61–1.64 |
| Sources |
| Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia, Myanmar, China, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, russia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and United States. |
The name topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning "fire". Pure topaz is colourless, but it also occurs in a wide reange of colours: yellow, blue, pink, peach, green, red and brown.
During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible. The Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.
Inclusions
Normally topaz are found to be clean, occasionally with few inclusions.
Treatments
Irradiation and heat treatment are used to produce more intense colour. Coatings are often applied to create "Mystic Topaz" and "Emerald Envy Topaz".
Caring
Keep topaz in separate boxes to protect other jewellery from scratches.
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Topaz often becomes paler if kept out in the sun
Do not clean topaz in ultrasonic.
To clean, use warm soapy water