Determining C Axis on Topaz

“C” Axis on Topaz

Sometimes Topaz can be hard to orientate because the stones have been water worn and the crystal shape has been worn off. If there is a crystal shape (and/or a termination point) the cleavage is perpendicular to the growth direction, the “c” axis. If the stones are water worn there is usually flat areas (sides) where the crystal has cleaved and tumbled (look for two flatish sides parallel to each other). Also there is often a side that has the classic cleavage signs, like a deck of cards that someone has shaved a side off in a diagonal direction leaving a layered look. Sometimes looking with a loop will help you see them.

Topaz often has little silver inclusions (that are trapped between layers), that when you turn it in the light they will reflect when you reach the “c” axis. As far as orientation for cutting, you want to be 7 degrees off of the “c” axis. Mostly you want to make sure that the deck of card type layers are cut so that the sides of the crystal (deck of cards) will not end up on a facet face, in particular a big facet.

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