Topaz

Topaz (aluminium silicate fluoride hydroxide) is a strong jewellery stone with a Mohs hardness of 8. Historically the name topaz was applied loosely to any yellow gem; true mineralogical topaz is comparatively uncommon. The most valuable variety is Imperial topaz, which exhibits a peachy-orange to reddish-pink colour and is mined predominantly at Ouro Preto in Brazil. Conversely, the majority of blue topaz on the global market begins as colourless natural material that is subjected to electron-beam or gamma irradiation followed by gentle heating to produce stable, saturated blue hues (Swiss Blue, London Blue, and others). This treatment is standard and is disclosed at the point of sale.

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