Topaz - Blue
BLUE TOPAZ TECHNICAL DATA
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Species----------- ------- -------Blue Topaz
Chemical
Formula-----Al2 (F,OH)2
SiO4
Birthstone
-----------------------December Anniversary
Stone-------------------Fourth
* Mohs
Scale Hardness---------------#8.0
Durability----
------------ -----------------Poor
*Refractive
Index--------------1.619-1.627
*Specific
Gravity----------------------3.53+/-
Significance
of these* data (FAQ # 5)
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BLUE TOPAZ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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Most Blue Topaz starts its life as colorless or
very pale blue. Gamma or electron radiation increases the color to a range
from pale "Aqua Blue" through to a bright medium " Swiss Blue" to a deep
"London Blue". (Note that the stones shown in our Price Tables with an * are
all the deep "London Blue" color.)
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Inclusions
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Most Blue Topaz on the market, including our
inventory, is Eye
Clean (FAQ #7d)
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Sources
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Topaz is mined in Brazil, Mexico, Africa, Sri
Lanka and China. The pale material used for creating the Blue Topaz primarily
comes from Brazil.
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Treatment
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The radiation treatment of Blue Topaz is normally
permanent, however, high heat or strong ultra violet radiation can effect the
color.
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Care
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Because Topaz has fairly definite cleavage planes
the jewelry mounting should be designed to provide extra protection. The
professional who sets the Topaz will usually do so "only at the owner's risk".
The wearer should protect the stone from accidental knocks. Topaz will not
tolerate heat, ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
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Uses
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Topaz is best used in a well protected ladies'
ring or for pendants or earrings.
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Alternatives
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The "Aqua Blue" Topaz is often used as an
alternative for the more expensive Aquamarine.
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Value
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The richness and intensity of the color is what
determines the value of Blue Topaz. Size is less of a factor than with most
other gemstones as the raw material is faily plentiful and is often available
in large sizes.
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RETURN TO
BLUE TOPAZ
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