Mystic Fire Topaz Facts

Mystic fire topaz create a rainbow effect when light passes through it.

Mystic fire topaz is a type of topaz artificially coated to create a sparkling rainbow effect especially in sunlight. Manufacturers coat the pavilion of a colorless topaz stone with a thin layer of titanium. The pavilion of a stone is the bottom, that is, the part where the stone attaches to its metal setting. Light passes through the stone and hits the titanium-coated pavilion to create a prismatic effect.

Origin

Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. of Minnesota invented and patented the mystic fire coating process in 1998. The process became popular five years later when the company presented Mystic Fire Topaz at a 2003 gem show in Tucson, Ariz. Mystic Fire Topaz became so popular in late 2003 that orders of white topaz--the gemstone used in its creation--became very constrained for some time.

Creation Process

A process called physical vapor deposition is used to apply titanium to the pavilion of white topaz. Basically, the process is a way of turning a gas into a solid, for example, when water vapor freezes to ice in extremely frigid temperatures.

In gemstone creation, physical vapor deposition begins by evaporating a material (metal, compound, cement, alloy or otherwise) and forcing the evaporated material to condense onto a surface.

Birthstone

According to the American Gem Trade Association, topaz and citrine are the birthstones of people born in November. November birthstones are associated with the astrological sign, Scorpio, as well as the properties of constancy and friendship.

Commonly, people born in November receive yellow topaz as a birthstone gift. However, since mystic fire topaz is simply a natural topaz with a partial coat, many designers include the stone as a November birthstone as well.

Abrasion

The combination of a thin titanium coat and topaz gemstone requires careful care. Any scratch on the gemstone will change the way light refracts through the jewel. Owners of mystic fire topaz jewelry should avoid abrasive cleaners and polishing cloths of any sort. Owners should also stay away from ultrasonic cleaners and jewelry steamers that contain acidic or abrasive solutions.

Cleaning and Care

Jewelers recommend that owners of mystic fire topaz follow the same care guidelines as those for opals and pearls. Owners should avoid high temperatures because heat can alter the titanium's refractive properties. Lukewarm water, mild dish soap or ammonia-based cleaning products will keep mystic fire topaz in excellent condition.

References

• Gemaffair: Mystic Fire Topaz Information
• Gemaffair: Jewelry Glossary
• American Gem Trade Association: Birthstones
• Birthstones: Topaz