Gem Profile- Topaz

by Judy Ellis

How do red, pink, yellow, and white relate to one of the hardest minerals on earth, as well as a mountain in Utah? The answer is Topaz! Topaz is considered a gemstone with a hardness of 8.

Topaz has perfect cleavage, an orthorhombic crystal system, and is composed of aluminum, silicon, hydrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. Pure topaz is colorless, clear, white, or silver, while colored topaz occurs naturally through impurities. Clear topaz can also be irradiated or heated to enhance or change its color.

The name "topaz" likely comes from the Greek *topazios*, the name of an island in the Red Sea now known as St. John's or Zabargad. Historically, "topaz" has also referred to peridot and citrine. Its name may relate to the Sanskrit word for "heat" or "fire," fitting because topaz forms in vapor cavities of rhyolitic lava flows and is often associated with a glowing orange color. Topaz has even been mistaken for diamond, such as the large stone in the Portuguese crown called the "Braganza Diamond."

Imperial Topaz, primarily from Brazil, is a rich golden color and usually untreated, making it the most prized type of naturally colored topaz. Champagne Topaz ranges from pale tan to medium brown, with most supplied by Mexican mines.

Cindy Massey's mother-in-law brought a topaz stone back from India, and Cindy wire-wrapped it in sterling silver as a gift for her sister-in-law.

Pink Topaz is hardly ever found in naturally, so when the color is natural, the stone is expensive.

Most of the pink topaz on the market began originally as yellow stones that turned pink with heat treatment. Azotic Topaz is another type of treated topaz: a natural topaz receives a thin titanium coating, giving the stone more color and shine.

Topaz can be found in almost every continent, with the exception of Antarctica. Some of the more important finds have been in Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the United States.

Topaz can be found in astonishingly large sizes, like the 100kg blue topaz found in the Ukraine.

The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. has several cut topaz stones on display, the largest of which is a yellow topaz weighing in at 22,892.50 carats - what a rock!

Azotic and pink Topaz

Road trip, anyone? Topaz can be found in the deserts of Utah, especially at Topaz Mountain, part of the Thomas Range.

Crystals here are naturally golden amber, but sunlight can make them transparent, losing all color.

Most crystals are under an inch long and can be found in loose rock and gravel along the mountain.

Break open white rhyolite to find larger crystals inside.

Orange Topaz is the birthstone of November, symbolizing friendship and peace, and is also Utah's state gemstone.

Golden-yellow Topaz is said to enhance personal intentions in alignment with divine will and attract beneficial new friendships.

White Topaz encourages acceptance and spiritual guidance for purpose and mental clarity.

Biblically, the High Priest's breastplate was thought to contain Topaz, which is associated with love and truth.

Resources & Recommended Reading

Topaz at Topaz Mountain at geology.utah.gov
Yellow Topaz at www.healing-crystals-for-you.com
Topaz on Wikipedia
Topaz on Mindat

Gem Profile- Topaz

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