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Topaz Pendants
Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries in
jewelry. Its golden brown to yellow color is classic but is confused with the
less valuable citrine, which is sold under the name topaz. The blue topaz that
is often confused with aquamarine is rarely natural and is produced by
irradiating and then heating clear crystals. Topaz is the November birthstone.
The structure of Topaz is controlled by a chain like structure
of connected irregular octahedrons. These octahedrons have an aluminum in the
middle surrounded by four oxygens. Above and below the aluminum are the
hydroxide or fluoride ions. The chains of octahedrons are held together by
individual silicate tetrahedrons but it is the octahedron chains that give topaz
its crystalline shape. Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral and one of the
hardest minerals in nature. However it has a perfect cleavage which is
perpendicular to the chains and is caused by planes that break the weaker Al-O,
Al-OH and Al-F bonds. None of the stronger Si-O bonds cross these planes. Topaz
crystals can reach incredible size of several houndred pounds. Topaz can make
very attractive mineral specimens due to their high luster, nice colors and well
formed and multifaceted crystals.
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This is an incredible jewel made from a light blue 8x10 topaz mounted in a hand-made bezel cup and backed by a shining
piece of laser foil that creates a stunning effect.
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$25.00
Gifted to a very special person!
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I couldn't decide which picture of this sparkling , golden imperial topaz crystal looked the best, so I just posted both.
The stone is 14mm long and 6mm wide and comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil. I capped it with a pure sterling silver
fitting.
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