Editing Topaz (section)

== Mining ==
Large-scale topaz mining typically uses [[Open-pit mining|open pit]] and underground mining to extract the gem.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Australia |first=Geoscience |date=2020-02-07 |title=Topaz |url=https://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals-energy/australian-mineral-facts/topaz |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Geoscience Australia |language=en}}</ref> The waste material is discarded using large machines to transport it away while the valuable ore is washed and sorted to recover the topaz gems. In smaller-scale mines, dry sieving is used in [[Alluvium|alluvial]] environments by shoveling the material into sieves to separate the gems from unwanted dust and debris.<ref name=":5" /> The topaz can then be selected by hand from the remaining material. Mined topaz is then sent to be processed for use in jewelry by polishing the gem and treating it to achieve the desired color.<ref name=":5" />

Mining for topaz can cause some environmental concerns mostly associated with larger-scale operations.<ref name=":6" /> The introduction of a large open pit mine into an environment leads to modification of the land around it to make it accessible to workers. After use of such mines is over, they are often refilled with loose sediments left over from the mining process.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=7 Negative Environmental Impacts Of The Gem Mining Industry |url=https://biron-gems.com/biggest-environmental-impacts-of-gemstone-mining/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=BIRON® Gems |language=en-US}}</ref> These loose sediments can be washed away to other areas, cutting off water features, destroying farmland, and creating a threat of [[Landslide|landslides]]. The pollution produced by mining can impact the environment around it and damage its health.<ref name=":7" /> [[Deforestation]] undergone to create the mine, along with the machinery used during the mining process, adds [[Greenhouse gas|greenhouse gasses]] to the atmosphere. Deforestation also removes habitats and [[biodiversity]] from a large area of natural space. These disruptions to the ecosystem can be challenging to wildlife and local populations. Water, also a large component of mining operations, is drawn away from neighboring communities to create a lack of water.<ref name=":6" /> [[Tailings]] leftover from the mining process can leach contaminants into nearby water systems and can contaminate the drinking water of local communities.<ref name=":7" />

Some ways humans can be impacted by gem mining is through danger in mines and inadequate compensation.<ref name=":7" /> Accidents such as collapsing mines and machinery malfunctioning can put human life in danger. Those working in the mines can also be exposed to harmful chemicals and [[heavy metals]] that can impact their health. For income, there can be an unequal dispersal of the funds made from gem mining between land owners, laborers, and the operators of the mine. In illegal mining operations, there can be more money given to miners, however, these operations have fewer regulations and more dangerous environments.<ref name=":7" /><gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:TopazMountainByPhilKonstantin.jpg|[[Topaz Mountain]], Utah, United States
File:Topaz-200562.jpg|Red topaz from Tepetate, Municipio de Villa de Arriaga, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
File:Large Topaz Gemstones.jpg|Facet cut topaz gemstones in various colors
File:YellowTopaz.jpeg|Yellow topaz in stepped kite-shaped cut
File:TOPAZE9.jpg|Imperial Topaz of Minas Gerais
</gallery>