The facts
What colourless Topaz actually is
Mineralogically, colourless Topaz is topaz — Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
A refractometer reads 1.609–1.617, and the specific gravity sits near 3.53–3.59; cleavage is perfect basal {001}.
Where colourless Topaz comes from
The recognised sources are Minas Gerais, Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Northern Areas, Pakistan.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How colourless Topaz is treated
Untreated in itself, but it is the raw material for essentially all irradiated blue topaz and for coated 'mystic' topaz. Marketed as a diamond substitute, where its far lower dispersion and its cleavage matter.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What colourless Topaz is confused with
The usual confusions are Rock crystal, Goshenite, Diamond, Cubic zirconia and Glass.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.609–1.617 and specific gravity 3.53–3.59 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What colourless Topaz is used for
Colourless Topaz is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting and carving and sculpture — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Colourless Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal {001} 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 colourless Topaz costs
Indicative pricing for colourless Topaz is $1–15/ct.
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 colourless Topaz treated, and how?
Untreated in itself, but it is the raw material for essentially all irradiated blue topaz and for coated 'mystic' topaz. Marketed as a diamond substitute, where its far lower dispersion and its cleavage matter.
Where does colourless Topaz come from?
Minas Gerais, Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Northern Areas, Pakistan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is colourless Topaz hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 8 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect basal {001} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does colourless Topaz cost?
Indicatively $1–15/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 colourless Topaz confused with?
Most often Rock crystal, Goshenite, Diamond, Cubic zirconia and Glass. A refractive index of 1.609–1.617 and a specific gravity near 3.53–3.59 separate it quickly.
What is colourless Topaz used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and carving and sculpture. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for colourless 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 colourless topaz