Raw Stones
180 pieces
Tumbled Stones
162 pieces
Palm Stones
26 pieces
Crystal Points
23 pieces
Clusters & Geodes
112 pieces
Polished & Decor
155 pieces
Mineral Specimens
268 collector pieces
Crystal Chips
21 pieces
Browse everything
Every collection, one page.
View All Collections →
Aries
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Carnelian
›
Taurus
Apr 20 – May 20
Rose Quartz
›
Gemini
May 21 – Jun 20
Agate
›
Cancer
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Moonstone
›
Leo
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Citrine
›
Virgo
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Amazonite
›
Libra
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Blue Lace Agate
›
Scorpio
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Obsidian
›
Sagittarius
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Sodalite
›
Capricorn
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Black Tourmaline
›
Aquarius
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Amethyst
›
Pisces
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Aquamarine
›
Gifting?
A birthday stone is the safe bet.
Read the zodiac guide →
Topaz
Topaz is nesosilicate, Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. In the hand, it rates 8 on the Mohs scale, and it runs colorless and blue (mostly irradiated). Glassy striated prisms, notably heavy and slick-feeling, hardness 8, with a flat basal cleavage plane that can flash like a window. Notable: Brazil (Ouro Preto imperial), Pakistan, Nigeria, Texas/Utah (USA).
The geology.
Topaz carries the formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It belongs to the orthorhombic system. On paper it is nesosilicate.
It sits at 8 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.49 to 3.57. The streak is white. It breaks with perfect basal cleavage.
Glassy striated prisms, notably heavy and slick-feeling, hardness 8, with a flat basal cleavage plane that can flash like a window.
Expect to see it as striated prisms, faceted, tumbled or raw crystals.
The origins.
Notable: Brazil (Ouro Preto imperial), Pakistan, Nigeria, Texas/Utah (USA).
On value, the database notes: blue affordable; imperial and pink grades prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with clarity of intention and good fortune.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Glassy striated prisms, notably heavy and slick-feeling, hardness 8, with a flat basal cleavage plane that can flash like a window.
Blue is virtually always irradiated; 'mystic' rainbow topaz is surface-coated; antique 'topaz' jewelry is often citrine.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Aqua is lighter (SG 2.7 vs 3.5) without basal cleavage |
| Citrine | Quartz is softer (7) and lighter, 'citrine topaz' is a deceptive old label |
| Danburite | Danburite is lighter with wedge tips |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about topaz.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Heft | noticeably dense for a clear gem |
| Scratch check | Scratches quartz (Mohs 8) |
| By eye | Lengthwise striations; slippery polished feel |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 8 on the Mohs scale it stands up to everyday wear. It will still chip on a hard knock, so treat edges and points with respect.
It breaks with perfect basal cleavage, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: 3.49 to 3.57. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect basal cleavage.
How it reaches the market
Notable: Brazil (Ouro Preto imperial), Pakistan, Nigeria, Texas/Utah (USA).
What it gets confused with
Aquamarine: Aqua is lighter (SG 2.7 vs 3.5) without basal cleavage. Citrine: Quartz is softer (7) and lighter, 'citrine topaz' is a deceptive old label. Danburite: Danburite is lighter with wedge tips.
What it is worth
Blue affordable; imperial and pink grades prized.
Where buyers get caught
Blue is virtually always irradiated; 'mystic' rainbow topaz is surface-coated; antique 'topaz' jewelry is often citrine.
One more thing
Nearly all vivid blue topaz starts colorless and gets its blue from irradiation plus heat, a treatment so routine the trade barely mentions it.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry topaz. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
Explore the Crystal GuideThe Slow Note
New stones go to the list first.
No forwarding, no selling. Unsubscribe in one click. Privacy