Topaz - Imperial
IMPERIAL TOPAZ TECHNICAL DATA
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Species-------------------- Imperial Topaz
Chemical
Formula-----Al2 (F,OH)2SiO4
Birthstone
-----------------------November 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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IMPERIAL TOPAZ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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Imperial Topaz ranges in color from yellow through
orange to red and from light to medium to intense tone. As the color gets
warmer and more intense the gemstones are more rare and more expensive. There
is a variety from Mexico which ranges from a light sand towards a darker brown
which is much less expensive and not truly considered an Imperial Topaz.
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Inclusions
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Most Imperial 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, Sri Lanka, Africa,China
and Mexico. The finer Imperial Topaz comes from Brazil and Sri Lanka. The
Mexican production tends towards the Brown tones.
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Treatment
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Imperial Topaz, including the Mexican material is
not treated.
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Care
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Because Topaz has very definite cleavage planes,
the jewellery 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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Citrine, a member of the quartz family is often
used as an inexpensive substitute for Topaz as a November Birthstone. Smoky
Quartz, also an inexpnsive Gemstone, is also often inaccurately referred to as
Smoky Topaz.
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Value
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Fine Imperial Topaz with a rich, orange to reddish
hue, is fairly rare and fairly expensive. The brownish tones of Topaz from
Mexico (not really Imperial Topaz) are very reasonably priced. (See also Blue
Topaz)
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IMPERIAL TOPAZ
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