Topaz, known for its remarkable clarity, durability, and an array of striking colours, has cemented its place as one of the most sought-after gemstones in the jewellery world. Composed primarily of aluminium and fluorine, topaz ranks an impressive 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it resilient enough for everyday jewellery pieces like rings, pendants, and earrings.
Brazil is the primary source of this versatile gem, particularly the highly coveted imperial topaz variety, but it is also mined in other regions including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, and parts of Africa
Famous Topaz Stones
01. The El-Dorado Topaz Weight: 31,000 carats (6.2 kg) Location: Private collections
Discovered in Brazil’s Minas Gerais region, the El-Dorado Topaz is recognised as the largest faceted topaz in the world. Originally a massive 37-kilogram crystal, it was cut down to its current size, showcasing a yellow-brown hue. Despite its colour, the stone’s immense size and remarkable clarity make it an invaluable specimen and a marvel of the gemstone world.
02. The American Golden Topaz
Weight: 22,892 carats (4.6 kg)
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA
Originating from Brazil, this golden-yellow topaz boasts 172 facets and is one of the largest cut gemstones in the world. It took two years to cut and polish this stunning gem, which now resides in the Smithsonian, where its brilliance continues to captivate visitors.
03. The Ostro Stone Weight: 9,381 carats (1.8 kg)Location: Natural History Museum, London, UK
This deep blue topaz is one of the largest of itskind. Discovered by Austrian gemstone trader Max Ostro in Brazil, it is renowned for its intense azure hue, a rarity in natural blue topaz. Its vibrant colour and exceptional clarity make it a standout exhibit at the Natural History Museum in London.
04. The Pink Topaz of Ouro Preto Weight: Approximately 4 cm in length Location: Brazilian market and museums
Pink topaz, especially from the Ouro Preto region in Brazil, is among the rarest and most valuable varieties of this gemstone. Its natural blush-pink hue is prized for its delicate beauty, and high- quality stones from this region can command premium prices on the international market.
The Allure of Topaz Varieties
Among the many colours and varieties of topaz, some hold a special allure due to their rarity and beauty.
–Imperial Topaz: Known for its warm reddish- orange to golden-yellow hues, imperial topaz is primarily sourced from Brazil’s Ouro Preto mines. Stones over five carats are exceptionally rare and valuable, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
–Mystic Topaz: Unlike natural topaz, mystic topaz undergoes treatment to achieve its iridescent, rainbow-like appearance. A thin titanium coating gives it this multi-coloured sheen, and while not
a naturally occurring phenomenon, it has gained popularity for its unique aesthetic and affordability.
–Blue Topaz: While natural blue topaz is exceedingly rare, treated blue topaz has become the most popular variety today. Swiss Blue and London Blue are particularly favoured in the jewellery market. Australian jewellers often incorporate these stones into collections, offering a beautiful yet affordable option for everyday wear.
Topaz in the Market
Topaz’s accessibility makes it a popular choice for jewellery across all price ranges. While generally
more affordable than gemstones like diamonds and sapphires, topaz still offers an air of elegance, especially in its blue, pink, and imperial varieties. Imperial and pink topaz stones, particularly those with excellent clarity and colour, are highly prized and can fetch impressive prices at auction and in the global gem trade.
In Australia, blue topaz is a common feature in jewellery collections, appreciated for its vibrant colour and affordability. Swiss Blue and London Blue varieties,
in particular, have found a place in the local market, offering Australian consumers a stunning gemstone that doesn’t break the bank.
