Red is one of the most sought-after topaz colors and represents less than one-half of 1 percent of facet-grade material found. The color the trade calls imperial topaz is highly prized and very rare.

Or they use topaz in pieces that aren’t exposed to too much wear, like pendants and pins. Topaz rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its toughness rating is poor due to its cleavage High heat or sudden ...