Nanotopaz: what is it and how to distinguish natural stone from fake?

Topaz is popular with both jewelers and lovers of fine jewelry. This is a rather rare stone, and its deposits were discovered in only a few countries of the world, including in Russia. In our country, topazes are mined in the Urals.

Nanotopases are a product of the development of Russian scientists. They are synthesized in a laboratory and perfectly copy the shape and structural features of their natural counterparts. The appearance and properties of nanotopes are so ideal that it is often only specialists able to distinguish them from natural gems. Nanotopases are often called fakes of natural stones, since many manufacturers give them out as natural.

Nanotopases in various sources can be called artificial or synthetic, but it would be more correct to call them hydrothermal topazes, since the most common method by which nanotopases are obtained is called hydrothermal.

Its essence lies in the fact that all components, among which there is a crumb of natural stone, undergo melting at a certain pressure, during which their chemical interaction occurs. The reaction results in a stone with ideal characteristics.

In addition to hydrothermal, there are other methods for producing nanotopes, such as flux, the method of Verneil, Czochralski and Bagdasarov. All methods are patented.In the professional environment of jewelers and in jewelry stores, one can find different names of synthesized topazes: nanocrystal, Nanocrystal, Nanogem, Formica nanogem.

Modern methods of manufacturing nanotopes make it possible to endow them with special properties, some of which are quite close to the properties of natural stones. Consider these indicators.

• High hardness. The hardness of hydrothermal topazes tends to the hardness of natural stones, which is 8 points on the Mohs scale.
• Lower density compared to natural topazes. Natural topazes are quite heavy stones, and since ancient times they have been called heavyweights.
• No cracks, inclusions. Cracks and inclusions are accompanied by a natural mineral. The topaz obtained by the hydrothermal method is unusual.
• Perfect shape. The manufacturing technology of nanotopes allows you to give them the perfect shape and perfect cut.
• Purity and brightness of gloss, lack of turbidity. The hydrothermal method of creating nanotopes gives the stones a clean and bright shine, close to ideal performance.
• Perfection of color. Nanotopases are much brighter than natural topazes.

Due to the good quality of the created by artificial nanotopes, they are often given out as natural topazes. There are many ways to distinguish natural stone from fake.

• The hardness of natural topaz is higher than synthetic, it can scratch a hard surface and even artificially created topaz. This property can be used to distinguish a real mineral from a fake at home.
• Natural topaz, unlike nanotopaz, has the property of being electrified. In order to independently verify this, you need to use a woolen cloth and rub it with the studied stones. If the topaz is natural, then it will attract small pieces of paper or hair. Man-made stones do not possess this property.
• Natural mineral heats up much slower than artificial. Therefore, taking it in hand, for quite some time it will be possible to feel its coolness. An unnatural stone absorbs the heat of the hands very quickly.
• Nanotopases have a homogeneous structure, in contrast to natural topazes, which may have defects and shade heterogeneity. If you have a product with a stone that has an ideal structure and transparency, then this is probably an artificially created mineral. In nature, it is very difficult to detect topaz without defects. Mainly topazes with cracks and inclusions are found in the rock.
• You can verify the authenticity of natural topaz using a special solution - methylene iodide. In this solution, natural stone will sink, and synthetic topaz will remain on the surface.
• If it is possible to use jewelry scales, then you can determine the density of the stone, which will tell about the naturalness of the stone. Real topaz has a density of 3.4-3.6 g / cm3. Synthetic options usually have a density half that.
• Natural topaz can be recognized by turning it head down. A real stone will sparkle and create a game of reflected light. True, there is one condition - topaz must have a special cut. In any case, if there is a play of color, then we can talk about the naturalness of the stone.
• Natural topaz has a rich color spectrum. It can be transparent, yellowish, green or blue. Green topaz is very rare, mined in single variants and immediately ends up in branded jewelry companies. Most natural topazes that are used to inlaid jewelry have restrained and not very bright colors and shades. The color of the nanotope is brighter and more pronounced.
• When exposed to ultraviolet light, fading of natural stone can be observed. However, when placed in a dark place, it returns its shade. An artificially created mineral cannot boast of such a property.
• Natural topaz when changing the direction of light changes its color, unlike synthetic. This phenomenon is characteristic of yellow and pink stones.

Nanotopazy incrust jewelry: earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets. Sets with nano-bases are gorgeous. Being an excellent substitute for natural stones, synthetic topaz costs much cheaper. This is a great gift for any holiday. Jewelery from nanotopes to face women of any age. The hydrothermal mineral is inlaid in a frame of various metals. It can be yellow, white, pink and red gold, silver, platinum and even titanium. In combination with stones of various colors, they harmoniously combine with the appearance of any type.

Nanotopases can combine with other stones. They look especially harmonious with transparent minerals and representatives of the cold color scheme.

Products with nanotapaz should be stored carefully. Here are a few rules:

• the systematic care of the nanotope is to wipe it first with a wet cloth or rag, and then immediately with a dry soft cloth;
• in order to protect the nanotopase from accidental mechanical damage, it is necessary to store it in a box covered with a soft cloth such as velvet;
• to preserve the original appearance, contact of the nanotopase with various chemicals, household chemicals, and cosmetics should be avoided.

In the next video, you can take a closer look at nanotopases.