Culture Colors

Different cultures like different colors of topaz. Europeans are fond of yellows. Eastern Asians like pinks and reds. People in the U.S. buy topaz of all colors, but blue is their favorite. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, courtesy Pala International

Water Droplets

Blue topaz makes a perfect material for large carvings because it is available in large sizes. This carved topaz is a truly special piece. Skillfully carved, the stone looks as if it has shimmering droplets of water. The color is very bright, too. - Photo by Lydia Dyer, gem courtesy John Dyer & Co.

Mystic Topaz

The surface of this topaz was treated with chemicals, which gave it a special look. This type of treated topaz is sold as mystic topaz. It does look mystical! - Photo by Valerie Power/GIA, courtesy Livingstone Jewelry

Purplish Pink

This purplish pink topaz has no eye-visible inclusions. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, courtesy The Natural History Museum of L.A.

Crystal in Light

When held up to the light, this crystal's color zones and clarity really stand out! It might be possible to cut a special gem from this piece. - Photo by Eric Welch/GIA, courtesy Dr. Wagner Colombaroli

Creative Cuts

A modern way to cut gems is by mixing cutting styles. This style makes the color of this blue topaz much more bright and rich. - Photo by Lydia Dyer, Topaz StarBrite courtesy of John Dyer & Co.

Pleochroic Topaz

In this video, you will see that red to pink topaz can show pinkish orange and purplish pink pleochroic colors. Also, when you look down one end, you will see a strong orangy red color.

Double-Ended Crystal

Topaz crystals with a point on each end are very rare. The shape and visible inclusions of this stone make it more valuable as a sample, or specimen. - Photo by Eric Welch/GIA, courtesy Dr. Wagner Colombaroli

Pear-Shaped Topaz

This pear-shaped topaz has an orange bodycolor with reddish orange color at both ends. Most people in the business of gems would call this stone imperial topaz, but it would not be as valuable as a gem whose colors are more even. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, courtesy Dave LeRose

Golden Orange to Pinkish Red

These gems mined in Brazil and Russia display the golden orange to pinkish red colors of precious topaz. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA

Topaz Art

The special cutting style of this topaz strengthens the blue color along the gem's edge. The edge stands out against the light center. What do you think of this piece? - Photo by Lydia Dyer, gem courtesy John Dyer & Co.

Topaz Crystals

Topaz crystals are usually long, with grooves along their lengths. For this reason, they are usually cut into long oval or pear shapes. These crystals show orange, pink, and brown colors. - Photo by Eric Welch/GIA