A comprehensive study on the gemological and mineralogical characteristics and coloration mechanisms of four color varieties of natural topaz

Abstract

Topaz, a mineral with variable composition, is commonly utilized as a gemstone. Its extensive distribution and diverse coloration have attracted considerable academic interest. This study systematically investigates the mineralogical characteristics and coloration mechanisms of natural topaz with four color types (colorless, yellow, blue, and brown) by analyzing their structural features, chemical composition, and spectroscopic properties. The results indicate that the different colors of topaz arise from the substitution of Al³⁺ by impurity ions, and the presence and concentration of O⁻ centers. Blue topaz exhibits stable coloration through superhyperfine interactions between sufficient O⁻ centers and two equivalent Al³⁺, while the concentration of O⁻ centers in colorless topaz is insufficient to induce coloration. Yellow topaz contains substantial Fe impurities, and the O²⁻ → Fe³⁺ charge transfer and the ⁶A_1g → ⁴E_g + ⁴A_1g d–d electron transitions of Fe³⁺ jointly contribute to the coloration of yellow topaz. Compared to topaz of other colors, yellow topaz exhibits a notably higher concentration of OH groups, and coupled with its coloration mechanism, we propose that the yellow coloration of topaz serves as a robust indicator of hydrothermal or metamorphic mineralization processes. Brown topaz is associated with the ⁶A_1g → ⁴T_2g d–d electron transitions of Fe³⁺ and a combination of trapped-electron and O⁻ centers. This study improves the theoretical research on natural topaz coloration mechanisms, provides comprehensive comparative analysis of the mineralogical characteristics of four color varieties of natural topaz and suggests a potential correlation between the yellow hue of topaz and its deposit genesis.