Natural Topaz (Sunehla) Stone in Pakistan

The colours, one by one

Imperial and golden topaz

Warm golden, orange and sherry shades, with the most valued "imperial" tones leaning towards orange-pink. Brazil, around Ouro Preto, is the classic source. In local markets golden topaz is sometimes called Sunehla, a name also used loosely for citrine.

Pink topaz from Katlang

Natural pink topaz is scarce. The Katlang deposit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces pink to violet-pink crystals, and many of our customers like owning a gem from home. If we know where a stone came from, the listing says so.

Blue topaz

Sky, Swiss and London blue are popular and easy on the pocket. Almost all blue topaz starts as colourless topaz that is irradiated and heated to a stable blue, an accepted practice we always disclose.

White topaz

Colourless, bright and inexpensive, a good pick if you simply want a clear stone with plenty of sparkle.

Topaz and Pukhraj are not the same

Some sellers pass yellow topaz off as Pukhraj. Real Pukhraj is yellow sapphire, a corundum, and costs much more. Topaz is a lovely gem in its own right, but the two should never be mixed up, particularly if you are buying for astrological reasons. Our listings always name the mineral.

What drives the price

Rarity of colour comes first: natural pink and imperial shades sit well above treated blue and colourless topaz. Within a colour, look at saturation and evenness, then clarity (topaz is usually eye-clean), cut and size. To compare two listings, divide price by carat weight.

Is it real?

Topaz is hard, 8 on the Mohs scale, feels cold and surprisingly heavy for its size, and takes a slick, glassy polish. Glass copies warm up quickly and may show bubbles. Since citrine, quartz and topaz can look alike, independent testing is sensible for a valuable stone; our authenticity page explains our own checks.

Tradition

Topaz is a November birthstone, and blue topaz is often given for December. In South Asian astrology yellow topaz is linked with Jupiter (Brihaspati) and sometimes worn, in gold on the index finger, as a gentler substitute for Pukhraj, traditionally for wisdom and prosperity. These are beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes.

Care

For all its hardness, topaz has perfect cleavage and can split from a sharp knock. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and sudden heat; warm soapy water is plenty.

Ordering from Authentic Gems

We check every stone and show it as it is. Delivery is a flat Rs. 500 by insured, tracked courier: Karachi usually 1 to 2 working days, other major cities 2 to 4, smaller towns up to about 7. Pay Cash on Delivery after checking the stone, and return it unused within 7 days if it is not right.