Topaz (irradiated)

Item Description

Here we have a deep saturated blue color irradiated blue Topaz from Brazil, that started out as colorless, but was treated to create the strong hue. The stone has some visible inclusions with an "Oval Brilliant" cut. I will say that this shade of blue is darker / stronger than most treated / irradiated blue Topaz gems on the market. I will say that irradiated blue Topaz has been around for a few decades, and is widely known and accepted in the gem trade, so long as the buyer is aware that they are being offered a treated stone.
This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.