Topaz Stone: A Buyer’s Guide to Types, Value, and Meanings

Topaz is a versatile, durable gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including a colorless form. The most well-known topaz colors are blue and orange.

Topaz is beloved worldwide, but two U.S. states have made this love official. Both Texas and Utah claim topaz as their official state gem. Texas chose to honor blue topaz, while Utah pays tribute to orange topaz.

Topaz has even been referenced in many historical works. If you’ve heard of Dante’s Divine Comedy, you may know the third part of the work, Paradiso. After meeting a heavenly soul, the narrator praises her kindness with a topaz metaphor:

“Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz!”

But what makes topaz so legendary? That’s what our experts here at Gem Rock Auctions have set out to explain in this guide, where you’ll find everything you’ve ever wanted to know about topaz gemstones.

Pictured above: Parcel of three faceted yellow to orange irradiated topaz gemstones

About the Topaz Stone

Topaz is a popular semi-precious gemstone well-known in pink, orange, and blue shades, though it also comes in other colors.

The diverse gem graces two birthday months: blue topaz as a December birthstone and yellow to orange topaz as a November birthstone. Blue topaz also commemorates the 4th wedding anniversary, while yellow to orange topaz celebrates the 23rd anniversary.

Additionally, topaz is a lucky zodiac birthstone for those born under Scorpio.

Although topaz isn’t technically a precious gemstone, it ranks similarly to the four precious gems — diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald — in durability and beauty at a much lower price.

Thanks to its lower prices, topaz can also pass for more prestigious gems — like white topaz simulating diamond or blue topaz simulating aquamarine.

Conversely, many less valuable stones can imitate topaz, such as:

• Brazilianite

• Euclase

• Heliodor

• Phenakite

• Citrine

• Glass

• Humite

• Axinite

• Orthoclase

Scientists have created synthetic topaz, but it’s not often sold on the commercial gem market since natural topaz isn’t incredibly rare and the synthesis takes a while.

As to the mineralogy, what are the distinctive physical and optical properties of topaz gemstones?

Topaz Mineral Specifications

As an aluminum fluorosilicate, the official topaz formula from the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) is Al2SiO4F2.

However, the amount of fluorine and hydroxide in topaz can vary — that means the formula can also be written as Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 and the crystal can be orthorhombic or triclinic depending on the fluorine:hydroxide ratio.

Topaz crystals are usually prismatic and columnar. They can be long and slender or short and stubby. Terminations may be pyramidal, wedge-shaped, blunt, or chisel-shaped. The mineral also occurs in granular or massive habits.

In terms of scratch resistance, topaz defines the 8 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale.

List of Topaz Characteristics

Below is a list of the identifiable topaz characteristics:

• Mohs hardness: 8

• Color: Colorless, yellow, yellowish-brown, tan, bronze, blue, blue-green, green, red, reddish-orange, orange-red, orange, coral, peach, pink, pale gray

• Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (OH>F) or triclinic (F>OH)

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

• Transparency: Transparent to opaque

• Refractive index: 1.607-1.649 overall; Lower in blue, brownish (non-chromium bearing), and yellow topaz; Higher in chromium-bearing brown, red, and pink topaz

• Density: 3.45-3.61; Often highest in blue or colorless topaz

• Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage on (001)

• Fracture: Conchoidal or Uneven/Irregular

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Fluorescence & X-ray colors often present, variable by color:

  • Colorless or blue topaz: Weak yellow to green in LW-UV & SW-UV, Violet-blue or pale green in X-rays

  • Sherry, brown, yellow, or pink topaz: Strong orange-yellow in LW-UV & weak orange-yellow or greenish-white in SW-UV; Brownish-yellow or orange in X-rays

• Pleochroism: Sometimes present, weak to moderate, varies by topaz color:

  • Yellow topaz: Straw yellow to honey yellow to bright lemon yellow

  • Blue topaz: Colorless to light rose to bright blue

  • Green topaz: Colorless or blue-green to green or bright blue-green to colorless or bright green

  • Brown topaz: Yellowish-brown to weak yellowish-brown

  • Reddish-brown topaz: Yellow to reddish

  • Treated “burned” pink: Colorless to rose or dark cherry red to honey yellow

  • Natural pink: Lilac to purple to yellow

• Birefringence: Overall 0.008-0.011, varies by color & source; Lower for shades of brown or yellow & higher for shades of blue, pink, and red

• Dispersion: 0.014 (low)

We’ve already mentioned a few varieties, but what are the primary types of topaz gemstones, and how do they differ from each other?

Types of Topaz

The primary types of topaz gemstones you’ll see on the gem market are blue topaz, imperial topaz, sherry topaz, Mystic Topaz, and azotic topaz. That doesn’t cover all the topaz colors, but these are the primary ones, so let’s break each one down:

Blue Topaz

Today, blue is the most popular topaz color. It’s also one of the most abundant and affordable on the market, but natural blue topaz stones are actually quite rare — most blue topaz has been turned blue by various treatments.

You’ll see three main categories of blue topaz shades, ordered in ascending price range:

• Sky Blue: Light blue, typically with no undertones; Usually created by treating colorless topaz stones with gamma-ray irradiation then heat

• Swiss Blue: Bright, saturated medium blue, ideally with no undertones; Usually created by treating colorless, pale, or grayish-blue topaz stones with neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor and electron bombardment in a linear accelerator, sometimes followed by heat

• London Blue: Deep “inky” blue, often greenish or grayish; Usually created by treating colorless topaz with neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor or gamma-ray irradiation, sometimes followed by heat

Topaz stones in each of these categories can range slightly based on undertones and level of saturation.

Other terms for blue topaz shades include glacier blue and ice blue, both similar to sky blue.

Important side note: the term “Paraiba topaz” is a misnomer used for neon blue or green tourmaline.

Pictured above: Imperial topaz

Imperial Topaz

The most valuable topaz variety, “imperial topaz” is technically a trade name for a warm-hued topaz without an exact agreed-upon definition.

Most gemologists classify imperial topaz as red, reddish-orange, or orange-red with medium tone; however, some include hues like orange, pink, peach, coral, reddish-purple, and violet under the “imperial” umbrella.

Additionally, some gemologists require a reddish pleochroic color for imperial topaz. Many imperial topaz gems are heated, enhancing red undertones.

Pictured above: Sherry topaz

Sherry Topaz

Sherry topaz is a yellowish-brown to orange topaz resembling smoky quartz or citrine. Some gemologists consider this variety a subtype of imperial topaz or call it “precious topaz.”

The sherry topaz color can be natural or the result of irradiation and heat treatments.

Pictured above: Mystic topaz

Mystic Topaz

A more modern subtype, Mystic Topaz is a variety of topaz treated to display an iridescent array of vibrant, cool-toned colors on its surface.

The treatment process, trademarked by Azotic LLC, emerged in 1998. It involves chemical vapor deposition (VCD) that puts a thin layer of titanium film on a colorless topaz’s surface.

Pictured above: Azotic topaz | Image credit: Minerals.net

Azotic Topaz

Similar to Mystic Topaz, Azotic Topaz is another treated variety with an iridescent surface reflecting a rainbow of colors. Both are created via techniques patented by Azotic LLC.

The difference? The Azotic treatment process creates a topaz with lighter but brighter colors in warm hues, often pinkish-yellow.

Topaz History

The term “topaz” has been around so long, historians aren’t sure when it was first used.

One of the earliest references was in Naturalis Historiae (Natural History) by 1st-century AD Roman scholar Pliny the Elder, who discussed a green gemstone from Topazios Island (present-day Zabargad or St. John's Island) off the coast of Egypt.

The name “topaz” may honor that early source. Another theory of the etymology of topaz is from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning “fire,” after some stones’ orange color.

Regardless, the term “topaz” was used for centuries... but not for topaz specifically.

In the 1600s to 1700s, historians and mineralogists realized that the “topaz” from Topazios Island was actually olivine, and folks had been using “topaz” for various stones including quartz and beryl. British author Thomas Nicols notably discussed the historical inaccuracies in his famous 1652 treatise A Lapidary or History of Gemstones.

Another early name used was chrȳsolithus or chrysolithos, derived from the ancient Greek terms khrusós for “gold” and lithos for “stone.” This ultimately became “chrysolite,” a term often used for peridot and other yellow-green stones.

Imperial Topaz Discoveries

“Imperial topaz” was discovered around the early 1700s, but sources differ on whether the trade name honors Russian or Portuguese royalty.

In the 1700s, prospectors in Brazil discovered large deposits of gem-quality topaz within Ouro Prêto in Minas Gerais. Brazil was a Portuguese colony, so some sources say the term “imperial topaz” honored Portugal royals.

Canadian author and mineral collector Dr. Michael A. Menzies wrote in his 2023 article “Topaz from Granite Pegmatites” that topaz (likely blue topaz) was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the late 1600s to early 1700s, while yellow topaz was discovered in Saxony, Germany, in the 1720s.

Menzies highlights that imperial topaz was first described from Brazil in 1760, then discovered in the Ural Mountains in 1853.

That said, Brazilian “imperial” topaz quickly spread to the west and graced the crowns and jewelry of various European royals — possibly Russian royals, too. However, some sources say that pink topaz stones from Russia could only be owned by Russian royals.

Regardless, imperial topaz has remained a top-tier topaz variety... though it’s no longer exclusive to royalty.

Speaking of popular, accessible topaz varieties...

Blue Topaz Becomes A Star

Nowadays, blue topaz is easily the most famous variety among everyday buyers. But before the mid-20th century, that wasn’t the case. That changed in the 1960s.

At the time, colorless topaz was abundant and cheap while blue topaz was pricey and hard to come by. Brazilian pale blue topaz was around $300 per carat.

American mineralogist Frederick H Pough first reported on using irradiation treatment to turn blue topaz colorless in 1957. It wasn’t until the 1970s, when Dr. Kurt Nassau rediscovered and reported on turning colorless topaz blue via irradiation, that treated blue topaz took off.

From 1975 to 1985, treated blue topaz gemstones flooded the market and prices became widely accessible, making blue topaz a mainstay for December babies and blue gemstone jewelry lovers alike.

What about the mystical side? Have there been any metaphysical properties or beliefs associated with topaz?

Pictured above: Pendant with faceted London blue topaz center stone

Topaz Meanings & Ancient Uses

Starting in ancient Rome, topaz was often used by travelers in this era. Romans believed the stone could protect you from danger and keep you warm. Ancient Egyptians saw yellow topaz’s color as a gift from Ra, the sun god, symbolizing strength and vitality.

The Middle Ages brought new beliefs about topaz’s spiritual power. Specific carvings on topaz had manifesting abilities. According to Medieval author Ragiel, a falcon design on topaz “helps to acquire the goodwill of kings, princes, and magnates.”

St. Hildegard, a medieval German polymath, recommended soaking topaz in wine for a few days and rubbing it on the eyes as a “cure for dim vision.”

During the Renaissance Era, topaz was seen as a source of composure and protection from curses. Europeans at the time associated topaz with Neoplatonism, symbolizing the soul’s connection to the universe.

Metaphysical uses for topaz were also prevalent in Africa. African healing ceremonies used topaz to connect the mortal realm to the spirit realm. San shaman still consider topaz sacred and carry the stone while traveling.

In Hindu cosmology, topaz represents Jupiter. Topaz is one of the nine gems in the Hindu talisman navaratna, each gem representing a celestial body. When the gems are worn together, the talisman represents the power and harmony of the universe.

The soul’s place in the universe is also relevant to topaz’s meaning in Indian culture. A long-held belief in India states that wearing a topaz stone over your heart can give you wisdom and a long life.

Wisdom and a long life? Sign us up! But beyond that, what is topaz used for?

Pictured above: Bright pink topaz center stone on silver pendant

Topaz Healing Properties

Topaz has been a beloved healing stone for centuries and it remains so today! The powerful crystal has benefits in all sectors of healing:

Physical Healing

Crystal healers recommend topaz for treating physical ailments like:

• Arthritis

• Chest pain

• Indigestion

• Insomnia

Many folks today also follow the Indian belief that topaz can give you a longer life.

Emotional Healing

Topaz is said to boost creativity, stave off envy or temptation, and attract positive energies. It’s also believed to attract or encourage:

• Happiness

• Compassion

• Good luck

• Forgiveness

• Empowerment

Chakra Healing

If you prefer chakra healing, topaz is a perfect chakra stone for the solar plexus chakra. The solar plexus chakra is the center of self-discovery and inner drive. When the chakra is blocked, we retreat out of fear and self-doubt. Topaz can activate the chakra, giving us the charisma and willpower to achieve our loftiest goals!

What factors influence the pricing and valuation of topaz gemstones in the market?

Pictured above: Faceted yellowish-white topaz gemstone

Topaz Gemstone Properties

The value of a topaz gemstone depends primarily on its color, along with its clarity, carat weight, cut, and treatments.

Color

Color is the most important buying factor for topaz. Imperial topaz (orange-red to red) with medium tone and high saturation is the most valuable.

In descending order, the next most valuable topaz colors (if mostly pure with medium tone and good saturation) are purple, orange, yellow, blue (London, Swiss, then Sky), pink, white, then mystic or azotic.

Yellow and brown topaz stones get their color from a defect called color centers. Orange topaz occurs because of color centers and the presence of chromium. All three warm-toned stones are fairly common but still admired, with steeper prices for hues with high saturation and more red or pink undertones.

Some of the rarest natural topaz colors are pink, red, and gold. When chromium replaces aluminum during the stone’s formation, you get pink or red topaz. Red topaz is actually so rare, it only accounts for under 1% of all facetable topaz.

Rare bi-colored specimens, especially imperial topazes, are quite valuable. Strong pleochroism also increases value.

Cut

Topaz rough can take virtually any cut. The most popular faceted cuts for topaz include oval, round, and step cuts. Natural blue topaz from Texas is famously faceted into the “Lone Star” (or “Texas Star”) shape.

Gem-quality rough with high saturation may be faceted into an emerald shape to maximize color and size. Lapidarists can also retain the carat weight of large, columnar topaz crystals with elongated cuts like pear, briolette, and marquise.

Of course, topaz can also become cabochons, beads, or carvings — these are usually made from lower-quality rough, like topazes with worse clarity.

Pictured above: Faceted topaz with prominent inclusions of needle-like actinolite crystals

Clarity

The clarity of topaz ranges from Type I (usually free of visible inclusions) to Type II (usually has some minor visible inclusions). Colorless, blue, and yellow topaz stones are Type I, while other shades — like imperial, azotic, and mystic— are Type II.

Visible inclusions will lower value for Type I topaz gems, but their presence in Type II topaz gems (especially imperial topaz) isn’t as impactful on value.

Common inclusions or blemishes in topaz stones include:

• Two- or three-phase inclusions

• Long, tube-like cavities (sometimes containing healed fractures, liquids like saltwater, or gasses like carbon dioxide)

• Cleavage cracks

• Gas bubbles in two or more unmixable liquids, aligned along planes

• Actinolite crystals

Surface-treated stones like azotic or Mystic Topaz can also show color concentrations in fractures that reach the surface.

One intriguing inclusion is rutile. In rutilated topaz, the rutile inclusions are needle-like and golden-yellow. When aligned correctly, those rutile inclusions can even cause a chatoyant effect.

Carat Weight

If you’ve seen topaz in a museum, you may know that giant topaz specimens exist worldwide. In fact, topaz crystals can weigh hundreds of pounds. The most common colors for giant topazes are light yellow and blue.

Meanwhile, carat weight can significantly affect the price of rarer varieties like imperial, pink, sherry, orange, and golden yellow topaz. The latter varieties are rare above 5 carats and rarer above 10 carats.

Topaz price-per-carat rates usually jump at 2 carats, 5 carats, and 10 carats.

Treatments

Many topaz gemstones are treated — even colorless topaz may have started as brown topaz heated to become white — but valuable types like imperial topaz are more valuable untreated.

Usually, colorless or pale topaz is treated via heat or irradiation to become blue or imperial topaz. Typically, the topaz will be irradiated to turn brown, then heated to turn blue.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a great report on topaz color treatments.

We mentioned the surface coating treatments behind azotic and mystic topaz earlier, but another type to know is blue center-fused topaz.

Center fusion treatment involves color diffusion with heat and chemicals, followed by high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) fusion of a second colored piece to the topaz. While center fusion does lower value, it’s more durable since scratching, heat, or chemicals won’t remove it.

Where is topaz primarily found geographically, and what are its main mining locations?

Pictured above: Facet-grade topaz rough from Brazil

Topaz Stone Origins and Sources

Topaz is often found in vapor cavities, high-temperature veins, contact zones, and alluvial deposits. Commonly associated minerals are quartz, albite, tourmaline, beryl, and microcline.

What type of rock is topaz found in? Topaz often forms inside silica-rich igneous rocks, particularly pegmatites, granites, and rhyolite. It’s also found in metamorphic rocks like greisens.

Within igneous rocks, topaz forms through a crystallization process. In the last phase of this process, vapors containing fluorine complete the process, creating topaz.

Geographically, where is topaz most commonly found?

Mining Locations

The most significant mines for facetable topaz are in Brazil, particularly the Ouro Region. Russia is the second top source of gem-quality topaz.

Other abundant topaz deposits include those in:

• Afghanistan

• Australia

• Germany

• Madagascar

• Mexico

• Namibia

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• USA (notably Utah, Colorado, and Texas)

Many topaz-producing countries unearth specific topaz colors more than others. To make it easier, we’ll list each topaz stone color by which locations are known for sourcing it:

• Yellow Topaz: Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka

• Blue Topaz: Brazil, Russia, Australia, USA (Texas & Colorado)

• Pink Topaz: Russia, Pakistan, and Myanmar

• Sherry Topaz: Mexico, Utah, Russia

• Colorless topaz: Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Colorado (USA)

With all the options to choose from, you may be wondering how much topaz is worth.

Topaz Price and Value

Topaz is a much more affordable gemstone than similarly durable and attractive gems like diamonds, but its price still ranges.

Faceted topazes generally range from $5 to $600 per carat, with most good-quality topaz gems around $100 to $200 per carat. Color and size are the main factors, so here’s a breakdown of average faceted topaz prices by hue and carat weight:

Topaz Gemstone Prices by Color and Carat Weight

• 1 to 2 Carats: Overall $5 to $600 per carat

  • Imperial - $100 to $600 per carat

  • Orange - $170 to $300 per carat

  • Yellow - $45 to $85 per carat

  • London Blue - $45 to $85 per carat

  • Swiss Blue - $45 to $80 per carat

  • Sky Blue - $30 to $55 per carat

  • Pink - $20 to $40 per carat

• 2 to 5 Carats: Overall $5 to $780 per carat

  • Imperial - $150 to $780 per carat

  • Orange - $200 to $360 per carat

  • Yellow - $40 to $70 per carat

  • London Blue - $50 to $95 per carat

  • Swiss Blue - $50 to $90 per carat

  • Sky Blue - $40 to $70 per carat

  • Pink - $25 to $45 per carat

• 5 to 8 Carats: Overall $10 to $1,050 per carat

  • Imperial - $200 to $1,050 per carat

  • Orange - $250 to $450 per carat

  • Yellow - $55 to $100 per carat

  • London Blue - $65 to $120 per carat

  • Swiss Blue - $60 to $115 per carat

  • Sky Blue - $50 to $90 per carat

  • Pink - $30 to $50 per carat

• 8 or More Carats: Overall $10 to $1,250 per carat

  • Imperial - $230 to $1,250 per carat

  • Orange - $275 to $500 per carat

  • Yellow - $100 to $190 per carat

  • London Blue - $90 to $170 per carat

  • Swiss Blue - $90 to $160 per carat

  • Sky Blue - $60 to $115 per carat

  • Pink - $35 to $60 per carat

White and Mystic Topaz stones are most affordable, both ranging from $5 to $15 per carat.

Faceted green or purple topaz gems are uncommon, ranging from about $550 to $4,500 per carat and $15 to $100 per carat, respectively.

Most topaz cabochons are blue or golden yellow topaz, ranging from about $20 to $1,000 or $10 to $85 per carat.

Lastly, what are some tips for caring for and preserving the beauty of topaz jewelry?

Topaz Care and Maintenance

Personal safety first: some topaz treatments result in temporary residual radioactivity.

Swiss blue and London blue topaz stones must be “cooled” for up to one year before they’re safe to wear.

Plus, topaz with neutron treatments are sensitive to high temperatures, while topaz with electron treatments have more stable coloring.

Moving onto caring for your gem, you already know topaz is a tough stone. However, topaz’s perfect cleavage means that a sharp blow can cause the stone to break. Getting protective settings for faceted topaz jewelry can keep the stone safer, but it’s best to handle the stone delicately.

To avoid fractures, only clean topaz with a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap. Strong vibrations and high temperatures are a no-no, so avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Be sure your topaz stone doesn’t go through sudden temperature changes either.

Is topaz good for everyday wear? Most topaz is suitable for everyday wear, but we recommend not wearing topaz jewelry during vigorous activities.

Azotic and Mystic Topaz requires extra special care. The gem’s surface coating can be scraped, so we recommend only cleaning Mystic Topaz with a mild soap solution — no buffing or brushing.

For most topaz stones, color fading isn’t common. However, topaz in yellow to brown shades can be more susceptible. It’s best to keep these gems from cooking in the sun for long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can topaz not scratch?

Topaz ranks at an impressive 8 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. Most minerals rank around 7. However, topaz can’t scratch minerals that rank at an 8 or higher, such as spinel, chrysoberyl (including alexandrite), corundum (ruby & sapphire), and diamond.

What color topaz is most valuable?

Vibrant pink or red topaz stones are most valuable. The second most valuable topaz colors are saturated orange to yellow. Any of these colors with undertones like brown will have lower value, though.

How rare is topaz?

It depends on the type of topaz — namely its color. Colorless and brownish topaz gemstones are abundant and widely accessible. Blue topaz has become popular and accessible thanks to various gemstone treatments. The rarest types of topaz are pink, orange, red, and pure yellow topaz stones, the rarest of which fall under “imperial topaz.”

How does topaz's color range vary, and are there any notable color variations?

Though pure topaz is colorless, topaz stones are found in numerous colors thanks to crystal structure defects and various impurities.

Untreated topaz is usually colorless (also called white or silver topaz) or brown, but other topaz color variations include:

• Blue: Naturally caused by crystal structure defects or natural radiation; Created artificially via heat and/or irradiation treatments; Available in various shades like Ice Blue, Swiss Blue, Sky Blue, and London Blue

• Imperial: Naturally caused by manganese or iron & manganese; Created artificially via heat and/or irradiation; Saturated shade of red, coral, reddish-orange, or orange-red

• Sherry: Naturally caused by iron; Created artificially via heat and/or irradiation treatments; Similar to imperial topaz; Yellowish-brown to orange

• Rainbow: Created artificially via surface coating diffusion treatments; Marketed as Mystic Topaz or Azotic Topaz

• Hyacinth or Jacinth: Naturally caused by crystal structure defects and/or iron; Orange red to dark orange

You can also find violet, pink, yellow, or green topaz.

Pictured above: White topaz ring

What are the primary uses of topaz in jewelry making and other applications?

Industrially, low-quality topaz is occasionally used in abrasives, refractory materials, and fluxes, along with the production of fluorine compounds.

Most topaz stones are used for jewelry, though. Thanks to its durability and versatility, topaz jewelry options are bountiful — you can find gorgeous topaz rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more, often paired with other colorful gems like citrine, sapphire, tanzanite, and emerald. These are perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or treating yourself with a sophisticated accessory!

How can I differentiate genuine topaz gemstones from treated topaz or similar gems?

Unfortunately, many topaz treatments are difficult to detect with standard gem tests. Treated blue topaz stones do show thermoluminescence that natural blue topaz does not. It’s best to consult a professional gemologist for advanced tests to determine if your topaz is treated.

Distinguishing topaz from simulants — different gemstones that resemble topaz — is much easier.

Here are some similar-looking gemstones and how they compare to topaz:

• Aquamarine: Beryl variety; More often naturally blue, with paler hue; Lower refractive index; No cleavage; Lower refractive index (1.57-1.59) & density (2.65-2.85); More expensive

• Sapphire: Corundum variety; Harder (9 on Mohs scale); No cleavage; Higher refractive index (1.757-1.779) & density (3.99-4.10); More expensive

• Citrine: Quartz variety; Softer (7 on Mohs scale); No cleavage; Lower refractive index (1.54-1.55) & density (2.60-2.70); Much more common & inexpensive

• Tourmaline: Boron silicate; Wider range of colors & stronger pleochroism; Indistinct cleavage; Lower density (2.82-3.32)

• Zircon: Zirconium silicate; Softer (7.5 on Mohs scale); Indistinct cleavage; Higher refractive index (1.92-2.01) & density (4.60-4.70); Higher birefringence (0.047-0.055)

Pictured above: The American Golden Topaz at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, photographed in March 2011 | Image credit: Observer31 at English Wikipedia

Are there any famous or significant pieces featuring topaz gemstones?

Absolutely! Most well-known topaz gemstones are famous for their size or place among royal jewels — sometimes both.

The famous topaz stones known for their immense size include:

1. El Dorado Topaz: Largest faceted gemstone in the world, weighing 31,000 carats (13.67 lbs) after being cut from an 81.57-lb crystal

2. Lua de Maraba (Moon of Maraba) Topaz: Second largest faceted topaz, weighing 25,250 carats (11.13 lbs)

3. “American Golden” Topaz: Third largest faceted topaz & among the world’s largest gemstones, weighing 22,892.5 carats (10.09 lbs)

4. Brazilian Princess Topaz: Largest faceted blue topaz, weighing 21,005 carats (9.26 lbs)

Topaz gemstones that made the spotlight gracing the collections of royals include:

• Braganza Topaz: Colorless, 1680-carat rough topaz formerly cut and set in the Portuguese royal crown, previously thought to be a diamond; AKA “Braganza Diamond” or “Prince Regent Diamond”

• St. Edward’s Crown: A 22K gold crown set with 444 gemstones — including 37 white topaz stones — made for King Charles II of Scotland in 1661 and used for British coronations since

• Russian Pink Topaz Demi-Parure: Set of pink topaz jewelry with a necklace and brooches convertible into earrings or pendants; Given by Princess Alexandra to her daughter Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, now in Swedish royal family

• Queen Camilla’s Pink Topaz and Diamond Suite: Brooch and earrings with pink topaz and accent diamonds, originally made in 1830 and often worn by British Queen Camilla in a five-strand pearl choker

That’s just the tip of the iceberg — you can spot topaz jewelry on celebrities like Florence Pugh, Dua Lipa, and Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales.

You don’t have to be a celebrity or royal to enjoy the stone, though. There’s a gorgeous topaz stone out there for everyone!

Which Topaz Tantalizes You?

Topaz has been revered for centuries, and we’re confident that trend won’t stop any time soon. This gem is the pinnacle of versatility, from its myriad of colors to its durability suitable for any jewelry.

Chilean diplomat and poet Pablo Neruda said it best: “Whenever you touch topaz, it touches you. It awakens a gentle fire, like wine awakens in grapes.”

Shop for topaz stones today!

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