Topaz / Citrine - November birthstone
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Topaz : Mohs Hardness 8 Mined From USA, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Namibia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar Species Topaz Typical Cutting Style Cabochon and Faceted Colour Blue Topaz: ranges from light-toned blue and slightly greenish blue to dark-toned strong greenish blue. Pink Topaz: ranges from pale pink to strong red, purplish red and reddish purple. Also fine medium orange-red (imperial). Yellow Topaz: ranges from brown, yellowish brown, yellow to pinkish yellow to pinkish orange to orange. White Topaz: colourless Chemistry Al2 (F,OH)2 SiO4. Flour containing aluminium silicate. Treatment The main treatment that is commonly used on topaz is heat, this will change or enhance the colour of the stone. Most colourless topaz is irradiated and heat treated to a range of blues, some are almost undistinguishable from aquamarine when seen with the naked eye. Inclusions Some topaz stones have tear-shape cavities, containing gas bubbles or several non-mixing liquids. Other inclusions can be cracks, streaks and veils occur. Cleaning & Care Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush will help maintain the sparkle of your Topaz. Ultra sonic machine cleaning and steam cleaning are not recommended as high heat can alter colour and a sudden temperature change can cause breaks. If you are not sure visit us on a yearly basis for a FREE clean and polish service. Storing Your Topaz When you are not wearing your topaz jewellery place it in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment to other gemstone jewellery (i.e. sapphires and rubies are 9 on the Mohs scale and diamond is 10) your topaz jewellery could easily get scratched by harder gemstone jewellery. Interesting Facts The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. In Europe during the renaissance people thought that topaz could break magic spells and dispel anger. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.The biggest faceted gem ever recorded is a topaz in the collection of the Smithsonian institution, it’s called the “American golden” its light yellow and weighs 22,982cts (4.60kg) Topaz is thought to bring its wearer – constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. There have been many monarchs, kings, queens, and ambassadors who have owned Topaz jewellery.The most sought after colours of topaz are the blue shades these are – Sky blue, Swiss blue and London blue. Mined From Bolivia, Brazil Species Quartz Typical Cutting Style Cabochon and Faceted Colour Citrine is always yellow in colour, they range from pale yellow through to strong yellow to yellowish orange, reddish orange and reddish brown. Chemistry SiO2 silicon dioxide. A trace of iron in the citrines structure is responsible for its yellow-to-orange colour. Treatment Most commercial citrine stones are heat treated amethyst stones. Natural citrine gemstones are rare. Inclusions Citrine commonly shows colour zoning, twinning and liquid inclusions. Cleaning & Care Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush will help maintain the sparkle of your Citrine. Abrupt temperature changes can cause citrine to fracture. Some citrine colour can fade with prolonged exposure to intense light. Citrine can also be damaged by hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions. Ultra sonic machine cleaning usually safe, except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as citrine should not be subjected to heat.. Visit us on a yearly basis for a FREE clean and polish service. Storing Your Citrine When you are not wearing your citrine jewellery place it in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment to other gemstone jewellery (i.e. sapphires and rubies are 9 on the Mohs scale and diamond is 10) your citrine jewellery could easily get scratched by harder gemstone jewellery. Interesting Facts The name citrine derived from the Latin word citrus, meaning “citron”. The largest transparent faceted gem on record is a citrine, it weighs 19,548ct which is 3.9kg. In Bolivia, amethyst and citrine colours can occur together in the same crystal. These unique gems are called ametrine.Citrine is said to bring its wearer Success, Abundance, Personal Power. Citrine has been called the "stone of the mind". Ancient cultures believed that placing a citrine on the forehead of an elder would increase his psychic power. Queen Victoria’s fascination with the gem made citrine a popular gemstone for traditional Scottish kilt pins and shoulder brooches |