Topaz is one of the most popular coloured gemstones in jewellery. It is clear, has a beautiful lustre and is available in many colours at a friendly price – the blue shades, from light sky blue to deep "London Blue", are especially popular.
What is topaz?
Topaz is a mineral in its own right. In nature it occurs colourless, yellowish to brownish and, in rare cases, orange to pink – this rare variety is called "imperial topaz" and is particularly sought after.
Where does the blue come from?
Naturally blue topaz is rare and usually very pale. The blue topaz found in jewellery is as a rule made from colourless topaz that gains its colour through irradiation and heating. The colour is permanent. Depending on the intensity, it is called "Sky Blue" (light), "Swiss Blue" (vivid) or "London Blue" (dark, slightly greyish blue).
Hardness and wear
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is quite scratch-resistant. However, it has what is known as perfect cleavage: a hard knock in the wrong place can split it. Topaz is therefore ideal in earrings, pendants and necklaces. In rings it is in good hands if you take it off for rough work or sport.
Care
Clean topaz with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning as well as sudden changes in temperature.
Topaz as a birthstone
Topaz is the birthstone for November.
You can see necklaces and pendants with topaz among our necklaces and earrings among our earrings – or in person in our shop at Landstraße 91 in Linz.
