Stone | Refractive Index | Specific Gravity | Hardness | Toughness | Enhancements | Enhancement Frequency | Enhancement Stability | Care Tip | Birthstone Month | Anniversary Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Topaz | 1.619-1.627 (+/- 0.01) | 3.53 (+0.04) | 8 | Poor | Heating produces pink/red from yellow, orange and brown. Blue topaz is irradiated and heated to produce color. | Occasionally for yellow/golden and always for blue. | Excellent | Although hard, Topaz is relatively fragile. Be sure to handle with care. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning should be avoided. | November | Imperial - 23rd; Blue - 4th; Golden 17th |
Anniversary Year(s):
Imperial - 23rd; Blue - 4th; Golden 17th
Birthstone Month:
November
Care Tips:
Although hard, Topaz is relatively fragile. Be sure to handle with care. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning should be avoided.
Enhancement Stability:
Occasionally for yellow/golden and always for blue.
Enhancement Frequency:
Occasionally for yellow/golden and always for blue.
Enhancements:
Heating produces pink/red from yellow, orange and brown. Blue topaz is irradiated and heated to produce color.
Toughness:
Poor
Hardness:
8
Specific Gravity:
3.53 (+0.04)
1.619-1.627 (+/- 0.01)
Refractive Index:
Topaz
Birthstone for the Month of:
November
Topaz can have the amber gold of fine cognac or the delicate blush of a ripe peach and occurs in all the warm browns and oranges in between. Some exceptional stones are pale pink to a rich sherry red. In the trade, the term Imperial is applied to stones that have an orange body color with red overtones. Golden topaz is the designated birthstone for November and Imperial for the 23rd wedding anniversary. Topaz is also the Utah state gemstone and is found in Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka and Africa.