Mystic Topaz Gemstone Information
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About Mystic Topaz - History and Introduction
Mystic topaz, a relatively new gem variety, emerged around 1998. It is natural colorless (white) topaz that has been coated to create a distinctive rainbow color effect. While not considered a standalone gem type, it is classified as an enhanced or treated colorless topaz. The innovative coating technique, known as thin film deposition, was developed by Azotic Coating Inc. The name "Mystic topaz" may stem from its captivating color shifts that appear deep, mysterious, and unique. Typically showcasing rainbow hues, this gem often features prominent greens, blues, and purples. As the treatment is a coating, it is not a permanent enhancement, yet its striking appearance renders it a fascinating gem in its own regard.
Mystic topaz has also been called "fire topaz", "mystic fire topaz", "Alaska topaz", "Alaskan ice", "Caribbean topaz" and "rainbow topaz". The kaleidoscopic color of mystic topaz identifies it from other topaz gemstones. However, mystic topaz is not the only gemstone that is coated to appear rainbow-colored. Therefore, it can be confused with other color-enhanced gemstones that are coated in the same way. Mystic Quartz can be distinguished from mystic topaz by its hardness. It is softer than topaz and measures 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, whereas topaz has a hardness of 8. Furthermore, quartz has indistinct cleavage, whereas topaz has perfect cleavage. Mystic topaz is similar to Azotic topaz, which is created by a patented process that has been named "Azotic", after the company that invented it. Mystic topaz can be identified from Azotic topaz by its darker colors, which mainly exhibit as purples, blues and greens. Azotic gemstones are generally lighter in color and look more pinkish-yellow.
Deposits of topaz have been found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, Germany, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and the USA. Enormous topaz crystals have been discovered in Minas Gerais (Brazil) and Ukraine.
Buying Mystic Topaz and Determining Mystic Topaz Value Back to Top
Mystic Topaz Color
As mentioned above, mystic topaz has a very interesting rainbow color, which changes as it is tilted. This is what sets it apart from other stones, since every single color can be seen in one kaleidoscopic and magical stone, depending on the exact colors used on the coating. The quality of mystic topaz gemstones is dependent on the quality of the raw material; in this case a high clarity topaz gem. Therefore, topaz gems with highest clarity grades and luster will yield the best results.
Mystic Topaz Clarity and Luster
Mystic topaz is transparent to translucent. Topaz exhibits high clarity with few inclusions, so topaz gemstones can be examined by the naked eye and declared "eye clean", which means that no imperfections can be seen. Topaz is highly prized for its brilliance and vitreous (glassy) luster.
Mystic Topaz Cut and Shape
Mystic topaz is a very versatile material. Therefore it can be fashioned into a great variety of shapes, such as square, round, octagon, pear, oval, heart and other fancy shapes. Strongly colored gemstones are usually scissor cut whereas weakly colored stones are generally brilliantly cut. This best shows off the brilliance and clarity of the gems. Since mystic topaz is strongly colored, the clear topaz can be brilliantly cut in preparation for the color enhancement. When topaz has irregular inclusions, it is often cabochon-shaped. The hardness of topaz makes it resistant to scratches. However, lapidarists must handle topaz carefully, due to its perfect cleavage, which means that it can easily fracture.
Mystic Topaz Treatment
In order to create mystic topaz, clear topaz is coated by a very thin chemical layer, which enhances the stone and makes it appear rainbow-colored. This is not a permanent treatment, since it only affects the surface of the stone.
| Chemical Formula: |
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Fluor containing aluminum silicate |
| Crystal Structure: |
Orthorhombic, prisms with multi-faceted ends, often octagonal in cross-section |
| Color: |
Full spectrum of color |
| Hardness: |
8 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: |
1.609 - 1.643 |
| Density: |
3.49 - 3.57 |
| Cleavage: |
Perfect |
| Transparency: |
Transparent and translucent |
| Double Refraction or Birefringence: |
0.008 to 0.016 |
| Lustre: |
Vitreous |
| Fluorescence: |
Under long wavelength UV, white and blue shows a weak yellow or greenish glow. Mystic topaz is white topaz. However, if other colors of topaz are used to make mystic topaz in the future, the following applies: Under long wavelength UV, pink and yellow can show a strong orange-yellow glow; red shows a weak yellow-brown glow |
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.
Mystic topaz looks similar to mystic quartz. Mystic topaz can be distinguished from quartz by its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and perfect cleavage. Azotic topaz is also similar to mystic topaz, but Azotic topaz is lighter in color, appearing pinkish-yellow. Topaz is chemically related to sillimanite, andalusite, kanonaite, kyanite and mullite. Other varieties of topaz, include precious topaz such as imperial topaz, yellow topaz and pink topaz; in addition to several blue topaz varieties, such as Swiss blue topaz, London blue topaz and sky-blue topaz.
Mystic Topaz Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers Back to Top
Mystic topaz is natural topaz that has been coated to enhance it, therefore, the beliefs that are attributed to natural topaz apply to it. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz was a powerful stone that could increase the strength of the wearer and even provide invisibility in desperate times. Both the ancient Egyptians and the Romans associated topaz with the Sun God. Imperial topaz is the birthstone for those born in November and for those born under the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius. It is also the gemstone that commemorates the 23rd wedding anniversary.
Blue topaz is the birthstone for December and is used to commemorate the 4th wedding anniversary. In traditional Indian belief systems, topaz is said to unlock the throat chakra, which facilitates communication and self-expression. Therefore, topaz is thought to be beneficial to artists, writers, public speakers and others who are concerned with self-expression. Some believe that topaz can promote virility in men.
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Disclaimer: Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers and Properties are not to be taken as confirmed advice. Traditional, Ceremonial and Mythological Gemstone Lore is collected from various resources and does not represent the sole opinion of SETT Co., Ltd. This information is not to replace the advice of your doctor. Should you have any medical conditions, please see a licensed medical practitioner. GemSelect does not guarantee any claims or statements of healing or astrological birthstone powers and cannot be held liable under any circumstances. |
Mystic Topaz Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas Back to Top
Mystic topaz can be made into an almost limitless variety of jewelry due to its versatility. It is ideal for rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants and can be fashioned into almost any shape. As with diamond, mystic topaz should be protected from hard knocks by protected settings in rings for daily wear. This is because a single blow could cause fracturing due to perfect cleavage. Mystic topaz is very hard (8 on the Mohs scale), which gives it durability and resistance to scratches. However, it should not be re-cut, since this could remove the coating.
Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.
Since mystic topaz is quite a new creation, only appearing around 1998, so far there are not any world famous mystic topaz gems.
Mystic Topaz Gemstone Jewelry Care and Cleaning
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 Like diamond, mystic topaz has perfect cleavage, which means that the force of a single blow could cause it to split. Therefore, protected bezel settings are recommended, rather than pronged settings, for rings that are worn daily. Mystic topaz's hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) makes it durable and means that it does not scratch easily. However, abrasion could damage the coating of mystic topaz. To clean your mystic topaz, simply use soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove soapy residue. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Always remove any jewelry or gemstones before exercising, cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities such as sports. Store mystic topaz away from other gemstones to avoid scratches. It is best to wrap gemstones in soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.
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Like diamond, mystic topaz has perfect cleavage, which means that the force of a single blow could cause it to split. Therefore, protected bezel settings are recommended, rather than pronged settings, for rings that are worn daily. Mystic topaz's hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) makes it durable and means that it does not scratch easily. However, abrasion could damage the coating of mystic topaz. To clean your mystic topaz, simply use soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove soapy residue. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Always remove any jewelry or gemstones before exercising, cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities such as sports. Store mystic topaz away from other gemstones to avoid scratches. It is best to wrap gemstones in soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.
