Topaz: Why Is It Called ‘Yellow Jade’ When Most Stones Are Blue?
Why Most Topaz on the Market Is Blue and How Natural Colors Define Its True Value
That’s an excellent question! The name ‘黄玉’ literally comes from the English word ‘topaz’ itself. The word’s original meaning isn’t blue at all; in fact, its literal meaning is yellow. That’s why in mineralogy, topaz was first translated as ‘yellow jade.
However, this ‘yellow jade’ is not the same as yellow jade in nephrite or jadeite. The term ‘黄玉’ can be confusing. Some people also called it ‘黄晶’ (yellow crystal), but that overlaps completely with yellow quartz/citrine, so it’s no longer used.”*
“Anyone who has studied Topaz a little has probably asked the same question. Traditionally, the most attractive color of Topaz is yellow—not the increasingly common sky blue. In nature, yellow Topaz is actually the standard, although most have stronger brownish or tan tones.”
Gemology Notes: Topaz Colors and Hardness
- Hardness: Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, which is relatively high among gemstones.
- Common Colors: The most abundant are colorless and yellow-brown to tan.
- Less Common Colors: Natural light blue to blue stones are rarer.
- Rare and High-Value Colors: Pink, orange-red, and red Topaz are the most valuable.
Many people think Topaz is an inexpensive, mid-tier gemstone. That’s a big misconception. Nowadays, most Swiss Blue, Sky Blue, and London Blue Topaz are irradiated from colorless or brown Topaz, not naturally blue. Similarly, many vivid pink stones are coated colorless Topaz, which makes them inexpensive.
19th Century Classic Jewelry
1910 Pink Topaz Brooch, 9ct, Edwardian era
1860 Pink Topaz Pendant/Brooch, Victorian era
Early 19th Century Purple Topaz Pendant
Circa 1830 Pink Topaz Bracelet and Brooch, Victorian era, silver set with brown Topaz
A brown topaz and silver piece, a work from the Victorian era
“Imperial Topaz is the one chosen for royal jewelry! Haha, just kidding. Serious collectors know that genuine Imperial Topaz is extremely rare and highly valuable. Only Imperial Topaz is used as the November birthstone—don’t give the wrong stone as a gift!”
“Aww, I’ve been mistaken all this time… November-born sisters, if anyone disses our birthstone, just ask them to give you an Imperial Topaz!”
Imperial Topaz: Definition and Value
Imperial Topaz mainly comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil, but these stones often have many fractures, so cut stones are usually small. Strictly speaking, Imperial Topaz refers to golden-yellow to orange-yellow stones. Some sources include sherry, salmon, pink-orange, and peach tones, but pale yellow Topaz does not count as Imperial.
- Entry-level color: golden yellow
- Higher value: the more orange to red the hue, the higher the price
- Note: brown or tan yellow Topaz is not Imperial, no matter what sellers say
- Price: typically $1,500 per carat; better quality stones can reach $3,000–$5,000+ per carat
Gemology Notes: The Truth About Blue and Pink Topaz
“Not exactly! Natural pink to red Topaz is extremely rare, but it does exist.”
“Of course not. Let’s continue our gemology lesson.”
Pink and Red Topaz: Many sources state that Brazilian pink/red Topaz is produced by heating natural yellow to orange Topaz containing chromium. This is true, but natural pink/red Topaz also exists—it’s just extremely rare. Not all yellow Topaz can be heat-treated into red. The process is gentle; reportedly, even a small alcohol lamp can suffice.
Blue Topaz: Naturally occurring blue Topaz exists and is not extremely rare, but it is usually pale: light blue, sky blue, sea blue, grayish blue, or slightly greenish. Some resemble aquamarine. However, vivid Swiss Blue and London Blue Topaz on the market are irradiated. Although irradiation is an accepted treatment, natural blue Topaz is far rarer and more valuable.
Market Observations
The modern Topaz market is heavily skewed. Due to cost constraints, most jewelers sell irradiated or coated Topaz. Few people or jewelers investigate natural Topaz; only dedicated gemologists or collectors truly appreciate the beauty of this gemstone.
Exploring Topaz—from its historical name “Yellow Jade” to the rare and captivating Imperial Topaz—reveals not only the beauty of this gemstone but also the fascinating stories behind its colors and treatments. Whether you are drawn to the classic golden-yellow hues, the subtle pink tones, or the deep blue shades, understanding Topaz helps you appreciate each stone’s unique value and rarity.
If you’re inspired by the elegance and timeless charm of gemstones, you might also enjoy our handmade vintage earrings, meticulously crafted to highlight natural beauty and intricate design. Explore the full collection here: PeonyJewels Handmade Vintage Earrings.
