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Gemstones, Minerals & Fossils
Lapidary
Some stones i found and had cut from outback W.A
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<blockquote data-quote="Lefty" data-source="post: 417238" data-attributes="member: 2976"><p>If the topaz is in it's crystal shape in as good condition as fhe quartz crystals then they are esy to tell apart. Quartz crystals are hexagonal in cross-section while topaz crystals are four-sided and the cross-section is typically diamond shaped. If quartz crystals have striations on the surface, they run across the crystal while topaz striations run along the length of the crystal.</p><p></p><p>While quartz is not exactly soft, topaz is harder again by some margain. Topaz will easily scratch quartz while you will have amore difficult time scratching topaz with quartz, exdept perhaps on the cleavage plane.</p><p></p><p>Topaz has perfect cleavage directly across the crystal, the same way quartz striations run. Quartz has no cleavage at all.</p><p></p><p>Topaz makes a very fine-looking gem, very bright and lively due to having a higher refractive index tha quartz. Topaz can sometimes pose challengesto polish but it makes a beautiful faceted stkne and I quite.ike cutting it.</p><p></p><p>I'll try and post some piccies of the two side by side and you'll see the difference.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lefty, post: 417238, member: 2976"] If the topaz is in it's crystal shape in as good condition as fhe quartz crystals then they are esy to tell apart. Quartz crystals are hexagonal in cross-section while topaz crystals are four-sided and the cross-section is typically diamond shaped. If quartz crystals have striations on the surface, they run across the crystal while topaz striations run along the length of the crystal. While quartz is not exactly soft, topaz is harder again by some margain. Topaz will easily scratch quartz while you will have amore difficult time scratching topaz with quartz, exdept perhaps on the cleavage plane. Topaz has perfect cleavage directly across the crystal, the same way quartz striations run. Quartz has no cleavage at all. Topaz makes a very fine-looking gem, very bright and lively due to having a higher refractive index tha quartz. Topaz can sometimes pose challengesto polish but it makes a beautiful faceted stkne and I quite.ike cutting it. I'll try and post some piccies of the two side by side and you'll see the difference. [/QUOTE]
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Gemstones, Minerals & Fossils
Lapidary
Some stones i found and had cut from outback W.A
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