GIA COLORED STONES EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 STUDY
GUIDE VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
●● What causes the color in topaz? Answer: Allochromatic (color from
trace elements/defects).
●● What crystal system does topaz belong to? Answer: Orthorhombic.
●● What is the typical crystal habit of topaz? Answer:
Elongated/columnar with grooves/striations parallel to length.
●● What are common cuts for topaz? Answer: Long ovals, pears,
emerald cuts.
●● What is a major durability issue with topaz? Answer: Basal cleavage
(cleavage parallel to crystal base).
●● What is the best cleaning method for topaz? Answer: Warm soapy
water only; avoid steam and ultrasonic.
●● What can cause fading in topaz? Answer: Prolonged heat or sunlight
can fade yellow-to-brown, reddish brown, or dark brown topaz.
, ●● What are the most valuable colors of topaz? Answer: Red and pink
topaz varieties (includes imperial topaz).
●● What defines imperial topaz? Answer: Medium reddish orange to
orange-red.
●● What is the rarity of red topaz? Answer: Less than 0.5% of facet-
grade topaz material.
●● What is sherry topaz? Answer: Orange-to-yellow and brown topaz
named after sherry wine color.
●● Where is the main source for fine imperial and red topaz? Answer:
Ouro Preto area, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
●● What is the typical market preference for topaz in Eastern Asia?
Answer: Prefers pinks/reds.
●● What are the two most important commercial processes for topaz
treatments? Answer: Heat yellow→reddish brown topaz to make pink;
irradiate + heat colorless/very light blue topaz to make blue.
●● What is the most popular variety of beryl? Answer: Emerald (green).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 STUDY
GUIDE VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
●● What causes the color in topaz? Answer: Allochromatic (color from
trace elements/defects).
●● What crystal system does topaz belong to? Answer: Orthorhombic.
●● What is the typical crystal habit of topaz? Answer:
Elongated/columnar with grooves/striations parallel to length.
●● What are common cuts for topaz? Answer: Long ovals, pears,
emerald cuts.
●● What is a major durability issue with topaz? Answer: Basal cleavage
(cleavage parallel to crystal base).
●● What is the best cleaning method for topaz? Answer: Warm soapy
water only; avoid steam and ultrasonic.
●● What can cause fading in topaz? Answer: Prolonged heat or sunlight
can fade yellow-to-brown, reddish brown, or dark brown topaz.
, ●● What are the most valuable colors of topaz? Answer: Red and pink
topaz varieties (includes imperial topaz).
●● What defines imperial topaz? Answer: Medium reddish orange to
orange-red.
●● What is the rarity of red topaz? Answer: Less than 0.5% of facet-
grade topaz material.
●● What is sherry topaz? Answer: Orange-to-yellow and brown topaz
named after sherry wine color.
●● Where is the main source for fine imperial and red topaz? Answer:
Ouro Preto area, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
●● What is the typical market preference for topaz in Eastern Asia?
Answer: Prefers pinks/reds.
●● What are the two most important commercial processes for topaz
treatments? Answer: Heat yellow→reddish brown topaz to make pink;
irradiate + heat colorless/very light blue topaz to make blue.
●● What is the most popular variety of beryl? Answer: Emerald (green).
