Mesmerizing Multi-Color Rainbows: The Magic of Mystic Topaz Gemstones

The Alluring Beauty of Green Mystic Topaz

The vibrant and mesmerizing rainbow colors of mystic topaz have captivated jewelry lovers for decades. While many gemstones come directly from nature displaying an array of hues, mystic topaz is unique in that it starts as colorless topaz that undergoes a special treatment process to produce its signature multi-colored iridescence.

What is Mystic Topaz?

Mystic topaz (also sometimes called rainbow topaz) refers to colorless topaz that has been artificially coated giving it a rainbow effect. Topaz itself is a popular gemstone, coming in a variety of natural colors like blue, yellow, pink, and the most common and widely used - colorless.

To turn a plain colorless topaz into a mystic topaz, the surface of the gemstone is treated with a thin layer of titanium, iron, or chromium oxide vapors via a process called vapor deposition. This coating refracts light similar to the way a soap bubble does, displaying an array of spectral colors.

Where Does Mystic Topaz Come From?

While most mystic topaz on the market today comes from treated colorless topaz mined in Brazil, some mystic topaz may also start from pale pink topaz from Pakistan or even blue topaz from Russia before undergoing the coating process.

The actual treatment to produce the signature rainbow colors generally takes place in a high-tech laboratory. There, the raw colorless gemstones are placed in a vacuum chamber and heated. The chosen metallic oxide, such as titanium or iron oxide, is then added in vapor form which bonds to the surface of the heated topaz stones. This permanently alters the way light passes through the gem, resulting in a prismatic display.

The Alluring Rainbow Effect

The transfixing rainbow colors exhibited by mystic topaz are caused by a phenomenon called interference. Essentially, the vapor deposit on the surface of the topaz acts like a miniature prism, refracting the incoming light into the visible color spectrum.

As mystic topaz moves and catches the light from different angles, different colors will be visible at different times. Turning the stone in bright light lets you see flashes of purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and all the colors in between dance across its surface.

Does Mystic Topaz Occur Naturally?

While topaz itself does occur naturally and is mined in many parts of the world, mystic topaz does not occur naturally. The vivid rainbow effect is only achieved through artificial treatment.

There are some topaz specimens that display amazing multi-colored flashes similar to mystic topaz, like the rare and expensive Imperial topaz. However, this phenomenon occurs naturally from flawless crystal formation rather than an applied coating.

Grades of Mystic Topaz

Like other gemstones, not all mystic topaz is equal in quality and value. The best quality mystic topaz displays a vivid spectrum of colors across the entire surface. Lower grades may show a more limited range of colors or have certain areas with no noticeable color effect.

Factors that affect the quality include:

• Purity of the original topaz - Fewer impurities allow for better light refraction.
• Smoothness of the surface - An uneven surface scatters light unevenly.
• Thickness of the coating - A thicker, high density metallic layer increases refraction.
• Skill of the technician - The coating process requires great expertise.

Mystic Topaz Jewelry

Thanks to its mesmerizing rainbow effect, mystic topaz is a popular choice for all kinds of jewelry designs today. The treated gemstones are very durable due to topaz’s inherent hardness and resistance to scratches, making mystic topaz suitable for rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Mystic topaz looks spectacular when cut with multiple facets, as these allow light to reflect off different sides simultaneously. Common cuts include rounds, cushions, ovals and emeralds that maximize the shifting colors.

Since the rainbow effect is often strongest when viewing the stone from above, mystic topaz makes for excellent pendant settings. Y-drop necklaces provide views from different angles as the pendant moves.

Large Carat Sizes

Given that the starting material is abundant colorless topaz, mystic topaz is readily available in large carat sizes. Vivid rainbow gems over 30 carats are not uncommon, with mystical illusion stones over 100 carats also available.

Larger mystic topaz gemstones are ideal for creating show stopping statement pieces, from wide cocktail rings to bold necklaces and long drop earrings. The dazzling colors are only amplified in larger carat weights.

Budget-Friendly and Ethical

One of the reasons mystic topaz is so popular for jewelry is that it is very affordable, especially compared to scarce and pricey natural gemstones of similar sizes. The plentiful supply of raw colorless topaz and the efficiency of modern mass treatment processes keeps mystic topaz reasonably priced for all.

Additionally, since it is human-enhanced rather than mined, mystic topaz is considered an ethical, eco-friendly gemstone. The topaz mining operations have little environmental impact and the enhancement process is safe for workers.

Caring for Mystic Topaz

While the coating gives mystic topaz an aura of fragile beauty, it is actually very durable due to topaz’s inherent hardness. With a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, mystic topaz resists scratches from everyday wear.

Still, like any fine gemstone, mystic topaz jewelry requires some basic care. Remove rings, bracelets and earrings before strenuous activity, exercise or cleaning. Use a soft cloth to clean and avoid harsh household chemicals. When storing, keep pieces separate to prevent scratching the coating.

The Magic of Mystic Topaz

With its stunning rainbow effect and affordable prices, it’s easy to see why treated mystic topaz has become a mainstay in the jewelry world. The technique of enhancing gemstones has existed for centuries, but modern processes allow mystic topaz to be created with spectacular shifts of color guaranteed to mesmerize.

FAQs

What causes the rainbow colors in mystic topaz?

The rainbow effect is caused by an artificially applied coating of metallic oxide vapor that allows light to refract into spectral colors, like a prism does.

Does mystic topaz occur naturally?

No, mystic topaz does not occur naturally. The starting material is natural colorless topaz that undergoes treatment to create the rainbow colors.

Is mystic topaz durable enough for jewelry?

Yes, mystic topaz rates 8 on the Mohs scale so it resists scratches and is suitable for all types of jewelry like rings, pendants and bracelets.

What are the best cuts for mystic topaz?

Faceted cuts like rounds, cushions and emerald cuts maximize the shifting rainbow colors by refracting light off multiple surfaces.

How can I care for mystic topaz jewelry?

Avoid harsh chemicals and scratches from other gems. Clean with a soft cloth. Store pieces separately. Take off rings and bracelets before strenuous activity.