Topaz: Meaning, Symbolic Properties and Care

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Topaz is a hard gem in a wide range of colours, from colourless to imperial orange. Blue topaz on the market is almost always treated, and the name “topaz” is often misused.

Key points

Colours	colourless, yellow-brown, orange, pink, blue, violet
Mineral family	aluminium fluorosilicate, Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Mohs hardness	8, with perfect cleavage
Most prized variety	imperial topaz, golden orange to reddish orange (Ouro Preto, Brazil)
Common treatments	irradiation (blue), heating, surface coatings
Origin of the name	from the Greek topazos, linked to Zabargad island in the Red Sea
Birthstone	November, according to the traditional list

What is topaz?

Topaz is an aluminium fluorosilicate: a silicate containing fluorine, with the formula Al2SiO4(F,OH)2. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it is one of the hardest gems after corundum (ruby, sapphire) and diamond. It forms crystals that are often very clear, sometimes huge, in pegmatites (rocks with large crystals) and in quartz veins formed at high temperature.

Its name comes from the ancient Greek topazos, associated with Topazos, the former name of Zabargad island in the Red Sea, where the ancients mined a green stone (probably peridot). The mineral we now call topaz was scientifically described in 1609 by Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt. Brazilian deposits (Minas Gerais) supply most of the fine pieces; topaz is also mined in the Urals (Russia), Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Colours of great variety

In its pure state, topaz is colourless. Traces of chromium, iron or other elements tint it yellow-brown, orange, pink, blue or violet. The most famous is imperial topaz, a medium orange to reddish orange, typical of the Ouro Preto region of Brazil: it is one of the most valuable colours in the family. Natural blue topaz, very pale, is rare.

Traditional symbolism

In Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the name “topaz” was applied to various yellow or golden stones, which blurs the history. It was credited with solar brilliance, nobility and clarity. In the modern tradition of stones, golden topaz is associated with joy, confidence and creativity, and blue topaz with communication and calm.

These associations are symbolic: they have no scientific or medical value.

Traditional correspondences

Colour	Association cited
Golden, imperial	solar plexus chakra, fire element
Blue	throat chakra, water or air element
Signs	Sagittarius for topaz, according to the traditional list; other views among some authors
Birthstone	November in the classic list

See the pages on the solar plexus and on the November birthstones.

How to use it

As a ring or pendant: a hardness of 8 allows regular wear, with care against knocks.
As earrings: blue or colourless topaz is a great classic.
As rough crystal: a small colourless or golden crystal, placed near a window or on a desk.
As a November gift for a birthday.

Care and cleansing

Topaz is hard, but it has perfect cleavage: a sharp knock, or pressure on an edge, can split it into a flat sheet. Avoid knocking it. Wash it in lukewarm soapy water with a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes if it is cracked or filled. Prolonged strong light can fade some shades, especially browns; store it in the shade.

For symbolic cleansing: gentle smoke or moonlight. See cleansing and recharging your stones.

Treatments, imitations and misleading names

Blue topaz: the colour is almost always the result of a treatment (irradiation followed by heating) applied to colourless topaz. This is not a problem if the seller says so; trade names (“sky”, “swiss”, “london”) describe shades.
“Mystic” or “rainbow” topaz: a thin coating is applied to the surface; it can scratch or wear away.
Heating: can turn some yellow-brown topaz pink.
Misleading names: “Saxony topaz”, “Western topaz” or “golden topaz” actually refer to citrine (yellow quartz), which is less expensive. Trade rules forbid these names.

How to choose it

Depending on the colour, prices range from very affordable (treated blue, colourless topaz) to high (natural imperial topaz of fine intensity). Check that the seller specifies “treated” or “natural” and the nature of any coating. To compare with neighbouring stones, consider citrine (yellow), aquamarine (pale blue) and sapphire. For the basics, read choosing and caring for your stones.

Frequently asked questions

Is topaz a precious stone?

It is classed among the fine gemstones. Imperial topaz of good colour can nonetheless reach high prices.

Is blue topaz natural?

The colour is almost always obtained by treating colourless topaz; it is normal to say so.

Does topaz scratch easily?

Not easily: its hardness is 8. However, it cleaves under a knock, splitting off like a flat sheet.

What is the difference between topaz and citrine?

Topaz is an aluminium fluorosilicate with a hardness of 8; citrine is a yellow quartz with a hardness of 7, often less expensive. Some older trade names mix them up.

What is mystic topaz?

It is a colourless topaz covered with a thin layer that creates rainbow reflections. The layer can wear away.