Topaz

Topaz is available in a rich rainbow of colors. This gemstone has been associated with religious teachings representing one of the gems in the breastplate of the highpriest of Israle, and one of the foundation stones of jerusalem. The name may have come from the ancient isle of "Topazios"  in the Red Sea, or from the Sanskrit word meaning "fire."

                                                                     VARIETIES QUALITIES & ORIGINS

                                      The most valuable is called "imperial," after the Russian Czars of the 1800s, and features a magnificent orange body color, with pinkish-red undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the popular blue hues. It is mainly mined in Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Africia, and China.

                                       GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS

                                       Most topaz is commonly subjected to enhancement by heat and/or irradiation as a normal part of the fashioning

                                       process to improve its color. Generally, no special care is required.

                                       HARDNESS  (Scotch Resistance)  8 on the Moh's Scale.

                                       STABILITY  (To Heat, Light, Chemicals)  Avoid heat, sudden temperature changes.  Generally stable to heat. Slightly

                                       affected by chemicals.

                                       REPAIR  Avoid rough handling.  Generally remove from setting for repairs involving heat.

                                       TOUGHNESS  (Chip & Crack Resistance)  Poor

                                       CLEANING   Never use ultrasonic/steam cleaning.

                                       OCCASIONS  November Birthstone with citrine, 4th and 23rd Wedding Anniversaries. Sagittarius

Swalstead Jewelers