The name topaz used to describe all yellow and golden-brown, even green gemstones. It is believed the name originated from the island Zabargard ( once known as Topazos) in the Red Sea, also where peridot was first found.
Many of the inexpensive topaz are treated with irradiation or heat to achieve the bright blue and yellow colours that are so familiar.

During the 18th century the most famous topaz mine was in Saxony, although today Brazil is the most important supplier.  Other deposits are found in Afghanistan, Australia, China, Japan and others...

Topaz weighing several kgs are not uncommon.  In 1964 some blue topaz weighing 100kg were found in the Ukraine.  The Smithsonian Institute in Washington owns cut topaz of several thousand carats each.

As a healing stone, Topaz brings joy, generosity, abundance and good health.  Traditionally known as a stone of love and good fortune.  Its properties are used to aid digestion and combat anorexia!


Colour:     Colourless, yellow, orange, red brown, light to dark blue, pink, red, violet, light green
Hardness:  8 Mohs' scale
Symbolic:  Birthstone for November