How and where is Yellow Topaz found and formed?

Yellow Topaz is one of the more popular gemstones. It has been known to man since the beginning of time and comes from the Greek word Topazos.  Topazos means any stone that is the color of yellow and this word has stuck throughout history lumping many gemstones with different qualities together under the same name due to the color of yellow.  Gemstones such as Peridot and Citrine are still incorrectly called Yellow Topaz or some variation of it.

Yellow Topaz is a fluorosilicate, this means that it mostly made from aluminum and sand and some fluoride gas included, usually during its crystal growth.  Yellow Topaz along with all Topaz is usually found in pegmatites near silica rock that are volcanic in origin.  Besides being a fluorosilicate, there are other trace elements that are included within its color centers that give Topaz its wonderful colors.  Besides yellow, Topaz can come in a myriad of colors including blue, green, brown, pink, red, lavender and colorless, among others.  It should be noted that Yellow is usually the most common and thus least expensive of the Topaz’s.

Topaz’s color centers can be heated or irradiated resulting in a change of color.  In fact, lots of affordable Yellow Topaz are used in order to create blue or red Topaz.  It should be noted that the vast majority of Topaz on the market today has been enhanced.  Because Yellow Topaz is so common and affordable, it is a good chance that it has not been enhanced, but check with your jeweler for specific gemstones.

While Topaz is found in many regions around the world, the vast majority of Yellow Topaz is found in Europe, specifically Germany.

The different colors, shapes and sizes of Yellow Topaz

If you are looking for an affordable gemstone that fits today’s fashion sensibilities, you should definitely check out Yellow Topaz.  Yellow Topaz has been popular in the past and is still extremely popular today.  While Yellow Topaz is the most common type of Topaz, it is available in many shades of yellow and can be cut to sizes and shapes that fit your needs.  It should also be noted that Topaz in general is a great gem for jewelry purposes.

Yellow Topaz obviously comes in the color of yellow; however there are many beautiful shades of yellow available.  Usually you will fine either a bright yellow, canary yellow, pale yellow, yellowish brown and yellowish green.  If you are looking for the color yellow to compliment your dress or other jewelry, Topaz usually delivers.

Topaz is a great gemstone for jewelry purposes because it has a decent hardness.  It usually scores about an 8 on the Moh’s hardness scale and it is usually great for day to day wear.

Topaz does come in many sizes and since it is extremely affordable, you can easily find it several carats or larger.  While Yellow Topaz rings are popular, beautiful earrings, bracelets and brooches are just a few other options.

It should be noted that most commercially sold Topaz is color enhanced, however since Yellow Topaz is the most common and most affordable, there is less chance that this type of Topaz is color treated.  However, for those looking for enhanced Yellow Topaz, they are not difficult to find.