|
Topaz Rings
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.
|
|
|
| Click on photo to enlarge in new window. |
|
Beautiful light blue 6x8 oval of topaz with a laser foil backing that gives it a sparkling rainbow affect that didn't
come out too well in this photo. If you look at the photo of the topaz pendant# JPTZ001 in the pendants section, you'll get
a better idea of what it actually looks like. In fact, these two pieces would compliment each other nicely. I
used granulation on this ring, a technique developed by the ancient Etruscans, predecessors to the Romans, and set it
on a handmade fancy size 7 split shank ring.
|
$45.00
Gifted to a very special person!
|
|
