The Value Of White Topaz - LEAFtv

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White (or clear) is the most common color of topaz. The colorless variety generally has the least value, but stones can sell for $80 or more, depending on size and quality.

Topaz

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Topaz is mined in clear, yellow, brown, blue and pink varieties. Clear is the most common, but yellow and brown are found in abundance as well. Blue and pink are less common and therefore the most expensive.

Pricing Gemstones

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Gemstones are priced based on four qualities: color, clarity, cut and carat. As for colorless gemstones, there are three grades of colorless and four grades of white distinguished by subtle variations of transparency. Clarity judges inclusions, or impurities, in the stone—basically anything that interferes with the passage of light. Cut is one of the most important facets of pricing a gemstone, but it's the most difficult to judge. Carat isn't as cut and dried as one would think. Larger stones are more rare and therefore command a higher price per carat than smaller stones.

White Topaz Pricing

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As of July 2010, white topaz is priced at $10 per carat for a fair quality stone. A good quality stone is priced between $10 and $30 per carat. A very good quality stone is priced between $30 and $80 per carat. An excellent quality stone is priced at $80 per carat and up.

References

• Geology: Topaz
• Wildfish Gems: Price List for Natural Gemstones
• International Gem Society: A Consumer's Guide to Gem Grading

Writer Bio

Melissa Monks began writing professionally in 2003 and spent four years writing for the Beutler Heating and Air company newsletter. She also spent two years as a content director for StoryMash.com, publishing projects and blogs, and has worked as a research assistant for One On One, a company publishing educational material. Monks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Utah.

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