Colors
- Colorless when pure
- Brownish orange to yellow (precious topaz)
- Orange with pink undertones (imperial topaz, the most prized)
- Blue (rare in nature, usually from treatment)
Browse other gems by color: Orange · Yellow · Blue · Pink · White and colorless
Where Topaz comes from
- Brazil (largest producer)
- Pakistan
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Russia
- Australia
- Nigeria
- Germany
- Mexico
- California, Utah and New Hampshire (US)
Topaz meaning and history
The name: From the ancient Greek "Topazios", the name of an island in the Red Sea.
For much of history, all yellow gems were called topaz, and all topaz was thought to be yellow.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Topaz?
Topaz is 8 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: poor, because of its cleavage: a hard blow can split it. Pendants and earrings, or protective settings, are safer.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Topaz
| Warm soapy water | Safe (the best method) |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Avoid |
| Steam cleaner | Avoid |
Heat, light and chemicals: Light: generally stable, but some yellow and brown topaz can fade with long sun exposure; high heat or sudden temperature change can crack it.
Treatments to ask about
Often irradiated, heated or coated. Coatings on colorless topaz are not very durable; avoid abrasive cleaners.
Can you wear Topaz every day?
Wear with care Can chip, crack or scratch. Protective settings, pendants and earrings are safer than everyday rings. Check other stones.
Compare Topaz
Topaz vs Citrine · Aquamarine vs Topaz
Frequently asked questions
What is Topaz?
A hard gem (8 on the Mohs scale) whose perfect cleavage makes it prone to chipping or cracking.
What month is Topaz the birthstone for?
November. It shares the month with Citrine.
How hard is Topaz?
8 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: poor, because of its cleavage: a hard blow can split it. Pendants and earrings, or protective settings, are safer.
How do you clean Topaz?
Warm soapy water: safe (the best method). Ultrasonic cleaner: avoid. Steam: avoid.
What does Topaz symbolize?
For much of history, all yellow gems were called topaz, and all topaz was thought to be yellow. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Sources
- GIA: Topaz care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: Topaz (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.