Topaz is a semi-precious stone that looks incredibly beautiful. It is very often used in jewelry, which is why it is popular among ladies. This stone is named after an island called Topazion in the Red Sea. So how to distinguish a real topaz from a fake, and what qualities does it possess?
Necessary
- - Woolen fabric,
- - methylene iodide,
- - accurate scales.
Instructions
Step 1
Topaz can be distinguished from another stone by its hardness, it can always scratch quartz, since the hardness of topaz is 8, and crystal is 7. It is easy to distinguish topaz from crystal and synthetic zirconia by its density. The density of topaz is approximately 3.49-3.6 grams per cubic centimeter, while quartz has 2.5-2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. That is, it turns out that topaz is much heavier than quartz. It is not difficult to measure density at home, for this you need to have an accurate scale that measures in carats or weighs up to 0.01 grams. And, of course, a calculator.
Step 2
There is also another way to help you determine the authenticity of topaz. To do this, you will need a woolen cloth to rub against the stone. In this case, he should become electrified and attract light objects to him, such as scraps of newsprint or hair. In this case, there will be no doubt that this is a real noble stone - topaz.
Step 3
If you have the opportunity to purchase a remedy such as methylene iodide. With its help, you will be able to determine if there is a real topaz in front of you or its fake. Dip a stone into this solution, real topaz will immediately sink to the bottom, an artificial stone or a fake (for example, quartz) will float on the surface.
Step 4
Many jewelers are trying to refine not only the stone, but also its parameters. This is characterized by the refinement of the color by heat treatment. Since it is known that colorless stone is the cheapest and most readily available. But blue topaz is appreciated among jewelers and lovers of semi-precious stones. It is possible to identify traces of the refining of topaz only in a gemological laboratory. Increasingly, amethyst heated to the desired temperature is given out as golden topaz.
Step 5
Topaz can be distinguished from another stone by its hardness, it can always scratch quartz, since the hardness of topaz is 8, and crystal is 7. It is easy to distinguish topaz from crystal and synthetic zirconia by its density. The density of topaz is approximately 3.49-3.6 grams per cubic centimeter, while quartz has 2.5-2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. That is, it turns out that topaz is much heavier than quartz. It is not difficult to measure density at home, for this you need to have an accurate scale that measures in carats or weighs up to 0.01 grams. And, of course, a calculator.
