Topaz is a variety of mineral aluminum fluosilicate, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, and is valued as a gem. It has a vitreous luster and may be colorless, yellow, green, blue, or red. It has a hardness of 8 and a specific gravity of 3.4 to 3.6. Topaz occurs in gneiss or granite associated with beryl, mica and tourmaline, and occasionally with apatite, casserite, and fluorite. It also occurs in certain talcose rocks, mica slate, rhyolite, and in alluvial deposits and drift.

The crystallized varieties, owing to their hardness, are valued as gems, and the best of these come from Ceylon and parts of India, the Ural Mountains, Russia, and Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and in the United States from various localities in Maine, Colorado, and Utah.

The most popular color for topaz gemstones is a rich orange yellow, somewhat resembling the color of sherry wine. Rose topaz is a delicate rose pink in color. It is the birthstone for November. The true Oriental topaz is the yellow sapphire, and the Saxon, Scottish, Spanish, smoky and false topaz are yellow varieties of quartz.

Magic and Myth

Removing negativity, topaz transforms it to joy and enhances individuality and creativity. It helps the wearer to see the big picture, understanding their own motivation and desires as well as the intents of those around them. Topaz improves the intellect, promotes health and wealth. It instills discipline and gives the wearer the impetus to act on their dreams, thus bringing them into materialization.