Hardness: 8.00
Refractive Index: 1.62-1.63
Specific Gravity: 3.54
Birthstone: April
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Brazil, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, the former Russia, Australia, Africa & others.
Care & Cleaning: If your white topaz has been color enhanced by a film (see below), do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, steam, ultrasonics or harsh chemicals. If your white topaz is in a multi-stone setting that consists of gems outside the topaz family, be certain to consider this before cleaning your gems. Other forms of white topaz, including those colored by heat treatment may be cleaned with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse, mild solution of soap & water or commercial jewelry cleaner.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
White topaz is the white or colorless variety of the topaz mineral group.
Some astrologers associate the white topaz with the planet Venus.
Due to the demand for blue topaz, white topaz in itself is seldom seen at retail.
New technology incorporating a micro-thin layer of film has opened new doorways for white topaz. In making this product, the film is adhered to a white topaz by heat and pressure after it has been cut and faceted. Altering the color of the film will produce a multitude of colors that result from the reflection, rather than the absorption of light.
In 1740, a large colorless topaz known as the Braganza topaz was discovered in Brazil. This gem was originally thought to be a priceless diamond.
This impressive gem ignited a frenzy of mining in the area of Ouro Preto that lasted for many years. In fact, the rich
Brazilian finds were responsible for making topaz the affordable gem it is today.
For additional information, see "blue topaz" and "topaz"