Topaz
From The Gemology Project
Topaz | |
---|---|
Chemical composition | Al2(F,OH)2SiO4 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Habit | Prismatic with pyramidal/domed terminations |
Cleavage | Perfect, basal plane |
Fracture | Sub-conchoidal to uneven |
Hardness | 8 |
Optic nature | Biaxial + |
Refractive index | 1.606-1.644 |
Birefringence | 0.008 - 0.010 |
Dispersion | Low, 0.014 |
Specific gravity | 3.49 - 3.57 |
Lustre | Vitreous |
Pleochroism | Distinct to strong (depending on body color) |
Imitations
Recently,2007, yellow-orange-pink flame-fusion corundum is offered in Minas Gerais, Brazil as imperial topaz.
Synthetics
Although topaz is synthezised, the material is not commercially available.