Back to gem encyclopedia

Topaz

Honey yellow. Fiery orange. Cyclamen pink. Icy blue. In warm or cool tones, topaz is a lustrous and brilliant gem.

See gem as
Polished
Rough

Tools

Research

Article

Observations on the Heat Treatment of Basalt-Related Blue Sapphires

Wasura Soonthorntantikul, Charuwan Khowpong, Ungkhana Atikarnsakul, Sudarat Saeseaw, Supharart Sangsawong, Wim Vertriest, and Aaron Palke, May 1, 2019

Researchers from GIA’s Bangkok laboratory seek to identify low-temperature heat treatment in basalt-related blue sapphires.

A man and woman shake hands during a career fair event. In the background is a GIA poster.

Article

Adapting to Changing Workplaces

Russell Shor, March 5, 2019

GIA Career Service advisors offer tips on how to navigate the changing workforce and consumer attitudes for success in the gem and jewelry industry.

Article

Tucson Visit Spurs Geology Professor, Publisher to Head Back to School

Jaime Kautsky, March 1, 2019

Geologist, publisher earns his GG so he can share more information on gem materials with visitors to Geology.com, his Earth Science website.

Woman holds multiple strands of black cultured pearls.

Article

‘Pearl Goddess’ Pours Experience, Support into GIA Alumni Association

Jaime Kautsky, March 1, 2019

Betty Sue King shares her expertise at chapter meetings, on pearl trips and with donations to the Tucson auctions – all in support of the GIA alumni.

Woman in green and white top and a white apron shows off a mollusk with a pearl in it.

Article

Jeweler’s Goal: Unite Gem, Jewelry Industry in One of Mexico’s Largest Cities

Jaime Kautsky, October 26, 2018

Alumni chapter leader wants to help develop Mexico’s third-most populous city into a thriving jewelry design and manufacturing hub.

Article

Fall for Autumn Gems

Sharon Bohannon, September 21, 2018

Nature gives us a brilliant palette of color-changing leaves and a spectacular kaleidoscope of colorful sunsets during the fall season.

Topaz from Pakistan with microlite inclusions.

Microlite Crystals in Topaz from Pakistan

Jaroslav Hyršl, August 9, 2018

Aesthetically pleasing inclusions are found in topaz from Pakistan’s Shigar Valley.

Close-up shot of 18K yellow gold, emerald, enamel and diamond lariet suite, inclusing ring, lariet, pendant and earrings.

Article

GIA Scholarship Helps Designer Build Technical Skills, Creativity

Jaime Kautsky, July 27, 2018

JDT program gives designer the skills and techniques – and freedom – to create the designs that move past the trends.

Red beryl from Utah found on the secondary market

Finds from the Secondary Market

Duncan Pay and Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta, May 11, 2018

Dave Bindra shows some noteworthy pieces he obtained on the secondary market and shares his thoughts on the state of the colored stones market.

Colored stone pendants designed by Erica Courtney

Designs from Erica Courtney

Jennifer Stone-Sundberg and Andrew Lucas, May 11, 2018

Award-winning jewelry designer Erica Courtney presents four of her creations.

This Month's

Featured Gems

Peridot

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.

Fancy Color Diamond

Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet’s most valued gems.

Diamond

Diamonds are among nature’s most precious and beautiful creations.

Emerald

Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.

Citrine

Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.

View the Gem Encyclopedia

Topaz

Research

Reviewed

Topics

Topics

Gemstones

Gemstones

Featured Gems

Peridot

Fancy Color Diamond

Diamond

Emerald

Citrine

Topaz

Research

Reviewed

Topics

Topics

Gemstones

Gemstones

Featured Gems

Peridot

Fancy Color Diamond

Diamond

Emerald

Citrine

You Might Also Like

Find a Retailer

Shop the Campus Store

Grading Promotions

G&G Fall 2019 Edition