Editing Topaz (section)

==Gemstone==
Topaz is a [[gemstone]]. In cut and polished form, it is used to make jewelry or other adornments. Lower quality topaz is commonly used as an [[abrasive]] material due to its hardness and it is used to produce [[refractory]] materials for high temperature environments.<ref name=":0" /> Topaz can be used as a flux in steel production.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Topaz |url=https://meg.resourcesregulator.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/topaz.pdf |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=resourcesregulator.nsw.gov |publisher=NSW Department of Primary Industries}}</ref> Using topaz as a refectory material does have some health and environmental concerns due to the production of fluorine as a byproduct of calcining topaz.

Topaz is a part of the second rank of gemstones, or semiprecious stones, accompanying [[Aquamarine (gem)|aquamarine]], [[Morganite (gem)|morganite]], and [[tourmaline]].<ref name=":0" /> The first rank of gemstones, or precious stones, includes [[ruby]], [[sapphire]], [[diamond]], and [[emerald]].

Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is the [[birthstone]] for the month of November, the symbol of friendship, and the [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|state gemstone]] of the U.S. state of [[Utah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pioneer.utah.gov/research/utah_symbols/gem.html |title=Utah State gem – Topaz |website=Pioneer.utah.gov |date=2010-06-16 |access-date=2011-10-29 |df=dmy-all |archive-date=2012-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114180742/http://pioneer.utah.gov/research/utah_symbols/gem.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Blue topaz is the state gemstone of the US state of [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/symbols/gem.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312074504/http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/symbols/gem.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-03-12 |title=Texas state gem – Blue Topaz. State gemstone cut – Lone Star cut |website=state.tx.us}}</ref> The 4th wedding anniversary gem is blue topaz and the 23rd is imperial topaz.<ref name=":2" />

Synthetic topaz can be produced using a method that includes the thermal hydrolysis of SiO<sub>2</sub> and AlF<sub>3</sub>.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Deer |first=W. A. |title=An introduction to the rock-forming minerals |last2=Howie |first2=Robert A. |last3=Zussman |first3=Jack |date=1989 |publisher=Longman [u.a.] |isbn=978-0-582-44210-8 |edition=16. impr |location=London}}</ref> When these compounds are heated to temperatures of 750° to 850&nbsp;°C topaz is formed. Another method uses a combination of amorphous Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, Na<sub>2</sub>SiF<sub>6</sub>, and water which is heated to a temperature of 500&nbsp;°C, put under a pressure of 4000 bars, and left for 9 days.<ref name=":1" />

To care for a topaz gemstone, it is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam as this could produce small fractures within the crystal.<ref name=":2" /> Warm water with soap is the best way to wash it.

To choose an ethically sourced topaz gemstone, it is recommended to search for a stone that the seller knows the origin of.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breakfast |first=Gem |title=The Most Comprehensive Guide to Buying Ethical Gemstones |url=https://gembreakfast.com/blogs/news/the-most-comprehensive-guide-to-buying-ethical-gemstones |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Gem Breakfast |language=en}}</ref> If the seller cannot produce information about the locality and mine that the topaz was collected from, it is likely that it was collected unethically.