Natural Topaz, a Colombian superpower

Increasing diversity of precious crystals
 

Colombia is known worldwide for its incredible richness in emerald deposits, especially the quality of their lifespan. It is unsurprising that Colombia can be considered one of the few countries in the world capable of providing such an amount and quality of deposits.
 

Acknowledging that historically, we have been known for these facts, we can also state that searching for other types of precious crystals throughout Colombia is a current movement that attracts many people and provides some of them with a sense of economic relief. Colombia’s mining industry is estimated to contribute almost 3 % of the GDP plus ‘’in some regions, like the departments of La Guajira and Cesar, mining represents as much as 56 and 44 percent of the local GDP’’ according to Victor Cohen.
 

As we delve into the context in which Colombia has been known as a superpower in emerald deposits, we can also state that significant regions hold treasures that we couldn’t confirm in the past. However, due to the country’s ability to explore new areas where conflict was once present, we can share with the world that we have found pink and blue topaz within Colombia’s sovereign territory.

 

Empowering a potential new product
 

Our quest to promote Colombian products of excellence has led us to discover various crystals currently in demand worldwide, such as emeralds, gold, and silver. Recent findings indicate that Colombia has the potential to source pink and blue topaz from different regions, as our current partner Crystacol states: ‘We have witnessed a significant amount of topaz in the Cauca region, which could be outstanding news for the industry both nationally and internationally.’

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About the topaz
 

Topaz is a silicate mineral made of aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula Al2SiO4(F, OH)2. Its physical appearance can be colorless, yellow, greenish, bluish, pink, or violet. It is transparent or translucent and has a vitreous luster. Topaz has a high hardness of 8 and a specific gravity between 3.4 and 3.6. Although clarity and size significantly affect the value of topaz, color has the most significant impact on pricing. The highest values are given to the rare pink and red stones, followed by orange and yellow. Intense reddish-orange topaz is called “imperial topaz”. Blue topaz, a less expensive semi-precious stone, is known for its beauty, durability, and resistance, making it a practical alternative to the more costly blue sapphire.
 

The blue topaz found in Colombia is incredibly unique as it occurs naturally. The Colombian jungle has played a key role in irradiation, transforming white topaz into blue topaz.

Benefits: According to tradition, Natural Blue Topaz significantly impacts the wearer's physical and mental health. It is said to soothe, heal, re-motivate, and bring the wearer strength, loyalty, beauty, protection, healing, weight loss, joy, generosity, abundance, wisdom, enlightenment, knowledge, good health, virtues of leadership, and love. Topaz is known as the "lover of gold," as it is used to bring wealth and money.
 

The scarcity and rarity of Natural Blue Topaz make it a unique and valuable crystal that is not commonly found. As we continue to embrace exceptional products, we believe this milestone in Colombian mining can be a turning point for the future. Communities in the mining area have acknowledged that topaz can become an important enabler of long-term economic prosperity and foster more consolidated and responsible mining practices in the region.

Characteristics of our existing product
 

The richness of this current portfolio, which is being promoted worldwide, encompasses different types of natural topaz, starting with blue in forms such as cabochons, cut stones, and preforms. Lastly, natural pink topaz is available in cut stones and cabochons.
 

Diversification of traditional Colombian products, including precious and semi-precious minerals, should bring enormous economic benefits to Colombia. This is especially important in regions lacking alternative sources of development. If legal exploitation terms, a policy framework, and political stability are already in place, this could become a reality in the interest of foreign companies. Additionally, infrastructure for mining areas must be available, and, most importantly, security conditions must be established.
 

Furthermore, these products should be developed with a focus on the social benefit of the communities and long-term environmental conservation. Several countries, such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the United States, and Chile, are examples of the well-developed mining industry benefiting their populations. As promoters of precious and semi-precious minerals, we aim to open new markets for them on other continents and consequently contribute to the growth of Colombia's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

Colombia vision 2050 
 

We are currently developing our Colombia Vision 2050. Sorting all existing premium assets from Colombia's historically well-performing portfolio remains a precise point on our agenda. As we continue toward the consolidation of cleaner and less polluting technologies, we need to embrace the same strategic path that Saudi Arabia has been developing with their Saudi Arabia 2030 plan. The secret is simple: generating the capital and cash flow to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and Colombian education to enhance a clear path toward prosperity.
 

Our proposition to the country will be made soon, stating how this plan could shift Colombia into a superpower.

References:

• Colombian emeralds
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombian_emeralds#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20Colombia,quality%20emeralds%20are%20extremely%20rare.

• Mining in Colombia: a Diverse Panorama
  https://colombiaone.com/2024/04/28/mining-colombia/

• Topaz general characteristics
  https://Lewis 22/Mineralogia Geologia/Circulo de lectores/ by Bibliograf, S.A./Valencia 1980