![]() This gem forms when water from nearby rocks crystallizes magma into a rock called pegmatite, which hides within inactive volcanoes. But that’s not the only quality the white topaz has. One of its most common representatives is white topaz, which is the purest form of topaz – and, as many believed in the past, has medicinal and magical properties. ![]() The gemstone’s famous for its magnificent variety of colors and shades, which largely depend on the geographic location of the deposit and the chemicals that are contained in the particular specimen. In ancient times, miners in the Urals called it “heavyweight” since its size was relatively small, yet its specific gravity was greater than many other gems. And in this case, it came from the Greek language, meaning “to seek.” There’s another version of where the name “topaz” came from, though. It gets the name from the fact that it was first discovered on an island called Topazion, located in the Red Sea, and is now called Zeberged. However topaz doesn't stand up as well when it comes blows.Ĭitrine is associated with the sun, while topaz is said to bring wealth and abundance to the wearer.Any topaz is a natural gemstone. Many Imperial orange topaz is pure topaz that has been heated to the right hue.Ĭitrine doesn't stand up as well to scratching as a topaz gem. Most citrine on the market started out as another quartz variety. Natural citrine is rare, while natural yellow topaz and orange topaz are more common. ConclusionĬitrine and topaz have similar yellow and orange shades and they're both considered a November birthstone. Both are considered good gemstones to wear, but topaz is more common. Cleavage, hardness on the Mohs scale, and fracturing all contribute to a stone's overall wearability. That means it's more likely to break if hit in the wrong spot. Topaz has perfect cleavage on the other hand. It has no cleavage, which means it's less likely to split if hit. We don't realize how often our hands bump into everything throughout the day, even if you don't work hard labor. Though only 1 number away, the difference between the two is not one and one.Ĭitrine has a better resistance to bumps and knocks. Citrine hits a 7 on the Mohs scale and yellow topaz hits an 8. Topaz has a better resistance to scratching than citrine, heated or otherwise. The wearability and longevity value of these stones are different too. Though these November birthstones are often mistaken for each other, there are significant differences. However, topaz between 1-3 carat weight can go up to $1000 per carat. True topazes of this color can run around $100 per carat. A Madeira colored citrine goes for around $100 per carat.Ī high quality topaz would be natural Imperial topaz. They usually cost about $20-70 per carat. Light colored citrine stones are very affordable. Still, a Madeira citrine is more valuable than pale yellow natural citrine. ![]() If you'll recall, it's the result of heat treated amethyst. Madeira citrine is the most valuable color of citrine. Most imitation yellow topaz is glass or cubic zirconia. Yellow topaz can be imitated by the same stones and materials as citrine. It can also be created by treating transparent yellow topaz into more of an orange color. Some Imperial topaz on the market is the result of heat treating colorless topaz, not originally occurring as that shade. Though yellow topaz is affordable, there are synthetic topaz on the market as well. However, modern gemology experts agree that vivid orange topaz jewelry should be called Imperial topaz and the yellow variety called yellow topaz. There are also brown topaz stones called imperial. You'll find most yellow topaz and orange topaz with vivid hues will be branded as Imperial topaz or precious topaz. Many people love swiss, sky, and london blue topaz jewelry. Yellow topaz and blue topaz are the most in demand. TopazĬolorless topaz is only popular as diamond imitations. Yellow topaz can also be treated and passed off as citrine. Scientists can produce vivid orange or vivid yellow citrine. Most citrine color is caused by heat treatment, but there are lab created varieties as well. Glass and cubic zirconia are the most popular fake citrine stones out there. It may bring down the value.Ĭitrine stones can be imitations by any yellow or orange gemstone or material. Treatment is normal for gemstones, and doesn't change their authenticity. Some of that may be heat treated citrine stones that have improved color or heated amethyst/smoky quartz. Gemologists say about 95% of the industry's citrine jewelry receives heat treatment. ![]() There's a lot of confusion to if heat treated amethyst should be called real or fake citrine. ![]()
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