Katlang Topaz refers to a highly prized variety of topaz mined from the Katlang area in Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These stones are celebrated for their remarkable color, clarity, and brilliance — often rivaling some of the world’s most beautiful topaz specimens.

Here’s a detailed description:

Katlang Topaz Overview

• Origin: Katlang, Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

• Mineral Class: Silicate (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2)

• Crystal System: Orthorhombic

• Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale (excellent for jewelry)

• Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Color Range

Katlang topaz is especially famous for its unique and vivid pinkish hues, though it can occur in several colors:

• Peach-pink to rose-pink — the most sought-after variety (sometimes called “imperial-like”)

• Light champagne to golden hues

• Occasionally colorless or light brownish

The pinkish tone is often natural, not heat-treated, which significantly increases its value compared to most other pink topaz varieties that are irradiated or heat-enhanced.

Gemological Features

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Common Inclusions: Generally very clean, but may show minor liquid or gas inclusions under magnification.

• Pleochroism: Weak to moderate — typically showing variations between pinkish and orangish tones.

Value and Rarity

• Katlang pink topaz is rare and highly collectible due to its natural color and limited geographic origin.

• Fine specimens can fetch premium prices, especially unheated stones with intense pink or peach tones.