The facts
What topaz actually is
The species behind topaz is topaz, Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂; it forms in the orthorhombic system.
Chromium for pink and imperial; colour centres for blue and brown is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.609–1.643 and a specific gravity of about 3.49–3.57, with perfect, one direction cleavage.
Where topaz comes from
Commercial material comes from Ouro Preto, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia and Mexico.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How topaz is treated
Blue topaz is essentially always irradiated and heated colourless topaz. Surface coating produces "mystic" topaz.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What topaz is confused with
Watch for Aquamarine, Citrine, Glass and Coated topaz — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.609–1.643 and specific gravity 3.49–3.57 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What topaz is used for
The trades that buy topaz are jewellery and mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale, with perfect, one direction cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What topaz costs
Expect roughly $2–60/ct; imperial $200–2,000/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is topaz treated, and how?
Blue topaz is essentially always irradiated and heated colourless topaz. Surface coating produces "mystic" topaz.
Where does topaz come from?
Ouro Preto, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia and Mexico. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is topaz hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 8 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect, one direction cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does topaz cost?
Indicatively $2–60/ct; imperial $200–2,000/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is topaz confused with?
Most often Aquamarine, Citrine, Glass and Coated topaz. A refractive index of 1.609–1.643 and a specific gravity near 3.49–3.57 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for topaz?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about topaz