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Mystic topaz is a mysterious, unique and fascinating gemstone that starts out as a regular topaz. These stones undergo various treatments that alter their look completely, making them a much sought after jewelry item, boasting a stunning rainbow effect.
If you’re considering adding mystic topaz to your jewelry collection, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve got all the information you need to know about mystic topaz gemstones. We’ve also included some beautiful jewelry designs.
What is Mystic Topaz?
Mystic topaz is a treated topaz gemstone. The process typically involves coating a natural, colorless topaz stone with titanium using a technique called chemical vapors disposition (CVD).
The titanium coating on mystic topaz stones is extremely thin and is usually applied to the stone’s pavilion. When the stone is tilted at certain angles, it shows off rainbow colors which change depending on the angle it’s viewed in. This gives the stone the unique rainbow effect not found on regular gemstones.
Mystic Topaz Price and Value
When mystic topaz gemstones were first introduced to the market, they were sold from around $20 to $40 per carat. However, they’re now priced anywhere from $10 to $500 depending on the quality of the stone, including its cut, color and clarity. The most valuable mystic topaz stones are those that are eye-clean and yellow-orange in color. The darker the orange color and reddish pigments, the higher the value of the topaz.
How Durable is Mystic Topaz?
Mystic topaz has a hardness of eight on the Mohs’ scale of hardness. This is a good rating, similar to that of aquamarine or morganite for example. While this means that mystic topaz won’t scratch easily, it’s important to note that the titanium coating on the stone can be impacted over time.
Abrasion can damage the coating on the surface of the stone. If kept with hard or sharp objects, the coating of mystic topaz runs the risk of being scratched and damaged.
Another thing to note is that mystic topaz stones have ‘perfect’ cleavage, which is the highest cleavage grading. This refers to a stone’s ability to break due to natural fault lines in its make-up. Mystic topaz stones can split along the cleavage direction, so they must be worn and set with extra care.
Mystic Topaz Jewelry
Mystic topaz gemstones are perfect for representing modern styles and fashion trends. They’re most commonly placed in rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Here are some beautiful jewelry designs featuring this mystical gemstone.
1- Mystic Topaz Rings
Mystic topaz rings are a great way of adding a pop of color to your look. Since the stone is highly durable, it’s an excellent option for rings for daily wear. Rings made from this gemstone are perfect for casual events or even worn to work. However, because it’s such an attention getting stone, large mystic topaz rings can look tacky if not styled well.
2- Mystic Topaz Engagement Rings
Since mystic topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs’ scale and unique, bright colors, it’s a good choice for an engagement ring. It can be worn daily without requiring excessive maintenance or care.
However, there are two things to note.
Firstly, mystic topaz can cleave if it suffers a hard blow, and it can become abraded if treated to harshly. This can affect the coating and damage the surface of the stone. Second, mystic topaz is a beautiful gemstone, but it’s quite unique and not a traditional engagement ring choice. Ensure that it’s something you’ll love down the track if you choose it for such a special piece of jewelry.
3- Mystic Topaz Earrings
Mystic topaz earrings are stylish, chic and modern and can add a touch of glamor to your ensemble. While studs add that stylish touch of color, larger statement earrings will really stand out. These gemstones are especially perfect under lights, as they sparkle and change color with movement and when light touches them.
4- Mystic Topaz Bracelets
Mystic topaz are stunning when crafted into tennis bracelets, as this design showcases the color of the gemstones to the max. The result is a row of sparkling rainbow colors on your wrist.
- Mystic Topaz Pendants and Necklaces
Statement mystic topaz neck jewelry, like the stunning mystic topaz bib necklace featured above, are great at grabbing attention and becoming the focal point of your ensemble. However, you can opt for smaller, subtle pendants if you want the color of mystic topaz without overwhelming your look.
Some Other Things to Know About Mystic Topaz
Mystic topaz is a highly affordable stone for its carat weight which makes it ideal for interesting and fun jewelry.
Silver is one of the most common metals used for mystic topaz jewelry since its neutral color makes the colors of the gemstone stand out. However, it can also be used with gold, rose gold and copper which gives the piece a charming and elegant look.
Mystic topaz suits almost all types of settings, but a halo or bezel setting would be ideal to protect the stone. These settings offer an added layer of protection for the stone, buffering it from exposure.
These gemstones can be cut into any shape and faceted but since they have a low refraction index, those with large facets don’t sparkle as much as stones cut with higher refractive indices.
Mystic Topaz Treatments and Imitations
As mentioned above, mystic topaz stones are created from regular topaz that’s irradiated and treated with heat to obtain attractive colors. The treatments are permanent and usually stable, but there are less expensive substances such as quartz, glass and other gemstones which are usually passed off as mystic topaz stones. Therefore, it’s important to buy your mystic topaz piece from a reputable vendor. Remember to request all the information about the gemstone before your make your purchase.
- Cut
Mystic topaz can be found in all kinds of popular cuts such as round, oval, elongated oval, emerald, pear and cushion. Since it has perfect cleavage, it’s not a very easy stone to cut and can easily be split in two. Cutters often try to make sure that none of the facets are parallel to the direction of the cleavage and jewelers mount the valuable stones carefully in settings that will protect them.
- Color
Every mystic topaz stone is different and shows various dominant color tones even though they all undergo the same coating process. Each one is special and has its own blend of rainbow-like, iridescent colors.
- Clarity
Topaz gemstones are popular for their vitreous luster and for being ‘eye clean’. This means that the inclusions (tiny imperfections in the stone) are far fewer and nearly invisible to the naked eye. All varieties of mystic topaz are translucent or transparent and the higher the clarity of the stone, the more vibrant the colors.
Taking Care of Mystic Topaz Jewelry
Although mystic topaz is extremely scratch resistant, its special coating can get scratched and worn off over time. Therefore, any jewelry made of mystic topaz should be taken good care of since the treatment given to this stone is especially delicate. In fact, it should be given just about the same care that you would give a precious pearl piece. Maintaining your mystic topaz jewelry will keep it good condition and you might even be able to use it for a lifetime.
- Cleaning mystic topaz: Clean your mystic topaz piece regularly and remember to avoid using cleaning products (even those made specially for cleaning jewelry) since they can contain certain chemicals which can damage the stone. To be on the safe side, steer clear of all harsh chemicals which can damage your piece, affecting the color and clarity. The safest option is to wash it carefully with mild soap and lukewarm water and rub gently with a soft cloth. Don’t use abrasive materials that can scratch it or scrub off the coating.
- Storing mystic topaz: Once the stone is clean, wipe it with a soft cotton cloth and keep it in a padded jewelry box or somewhere safe where it will be protected from sharp blows or anything that could damage it. Mystic topaz can be damaged by harder stones like diamonds or corundum (sapphire and ruby) so if you have any of these in your jewelry collection, keep them away from your stone.
- Removing mystic topaz jewelry: We recommend removing your jewelry before you go swimming or if you’re handling chemicals and rough objects.
- Protect from harsh chemicals: Always make sure to keep your mystic topaz stone safely away from chemicals like perfumes, makeup, detergents or other cleaning liquids. Although it takes a little extra effort, it will be worth it and you’ll be able to keep your stone sparkling for years to come.
The Symbolism and Meanings of Mystic Topaz
The colorless topaz gemstone from which mystic topaz is formed symbolizes affection, peace and hope. In the ancient times, topaz was closely linked with Helios, the Greek god of the sun. The stone was believed to have strong protective energies.
Mystic topaz is a stone of love, passion, nobility and purpose, associated with good fortune and self-esteem due to its fiery energy. It’s believed to possess certain healing properties.
Where and How Can I Buy Mystic Topaz?
If you’re interested in buying mystic topaz jewelry, always purchase from an established and trustworthy vendor. The vendor should always disclose any treatments or enhancements that the gemstone may have undergone and should also have good after sales policies.
Because mystic topaz isn’t a mainstream gemstone, it’s not easy to find at your local jewelers. We recommend starting your search on Etsy or Amazon, which have wide range of mystic topaz jewelry to suit all styles and budgets. However, when buying online, make sure to vet the retailer as well as the product before you actually make your purchase.
