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✦ TOPAZ GUIDE • NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE
TOPAZ: Indulge in the captured brilliance of Sunlight
A mineral crystal by nature, Topaz comes in beautiful hues that range from the deep inky blue of London Blue to the warm golden glow of Sunshine. Ranking 8 on the Mohs scale of Hardness, Topaz is celebrated as the birthstone for the month of November. Faceted in different shapes to capture light and sparkle, you can enjoy different forms of jewellery like earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and more!
Brilliance, up close
Silicate mineral
Aluminium silicate with fluorine
8
Mohs hardness scale
November
Birthstone month
4th, 19th & 23rd Year
Anniversary gift
Sagittarius & Scorpio
Zodiac association
How does topaz form?
Formed deep in the Earth's core, Topaz is a mineral crystal that takes shape when molten rock rich in fluorine slowly cools to solidify leading to fluorine-bearing vapours and fluids move through cavities and cracks, carrying aluminium and silica with them. These cavities form pockets for the mineral to solidify into prism-shaped columns. The transparent crystal is a result of this process, which when faceted can take any shape and sparkle capturing the light around it.
Some Interesting Facts about Topaz
creates its beautiful warm gold, pink, vivacious orange and pale blue hues.
- Hardness of 8: Ideal for everyday wear. Resistant against scratches
- Possesses a glassy lustre that captures light and sparkle in its faceted finish
- Forms naturally into long, prism-shaped crystals
- Often eye-clean, with few visible inclusions
Types of topaz, at a glance
Each variety is defined by its colour, how that colour is created, and where it's mined.
| Topaz Variety | Colour | Distinguishing Feature | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Topaz | Golden orange to pinkish orange | The rarest and most valuable natural colour of topaz | Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| London Blue Topaz | Deep, inky steel blue | The darkest blue shade, created by treating colourless topaz | Brazil, Sri Lanka and Nigeria |
| Swiss Blue Topaz | Bright, vivid mid blue | A lively, saturated blue created by treating colourless topaz | Brazil, Sri Lanka and Nigeria |
| Sky Blue Topaz | Soft, pale blue | The lightest blue shade, similar in tone to aquamarine | Brazil, Sri Lanka and Nigeria |
| Pink Topaz | Pale pink to rose | Rare in nature. Most pink topaz is gently heated from golden stones | Pakistan and Brazil |
| Mystic Topaz | Rainbow green, blue and purple | Colourless topaz with a thin surface coating that creates a rainbow effect | Brazil |
What does topaz symbolise?
Three ideas carried across cultures and centuries.
Strength & Courage
Ancient Greeks believed topaz gave its wearer strength and could protect them from harm.
Calm & Clarity
In medieval Europe, topaz was believed to calm and clear one's mind, thus thought to bring balance to its wearer
Warmth & Friendship
Golden topaz has long been linked to the warmth of the sun, and is often given as a token of friendship and affection.
Historical Trivia of Topaz
From Egyptian sun worship to the crowns of European royalty.
A stone of the sun
Ancient Egyptians linked golden topaz to Ra, their sun god, believing it carried his warm, protective glow.
Where the name originates from
The name may come from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea, or from the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire.
Mistaken for a diamond
The famous 1,680-carat "Braganza" stone in the Portuguese crown jewels was long thought to be a diamond. Many experts now believe it is colourless topaz.
Choice of the Royalty
The name Imperial topaz is often said to honour the Russian Tzars, who prized the rare pink-orange hues of the Ural Mountains..
Where does topaz come from?
Topaz is found on every inhabited continent, but most gem-quality stones come from a few key regions. The different origin regions determine its rarity, colour and quality. Read on to find out further.
Topaz Origins Around The World
Brazil
The mines of Minas Gerais region of Brazil are world's largest producers of Topaz. The rare Imperial Topaz comes from this region as well as colourless Topaz that is treated for its beautiful blue shades.
Pakistan
The Katlang area is known for rare natural pink to violet topaz.
Sri Lanka & Nigeria
Important sources of clear, colourless topaz, much of it treated to create London, Swiss and Sky Blue Topaz .
Russia & USA
Russia's Ural Mountains once produced prized pink topaz. In the USA, topaz is the state gem of Utah, and blue topaz of Texas.
Choose your birthstone
Radiating beautiful warm golden hues like the first ray of the sun, Citrine and Topaz are often confused. Follow along to know which birthstone would be your ideal choice.
Topaz
- An aluminium silicate mineral containing fluorine.
- 8 on the Mohs scale, harder than citrine and more scratch-resistant.
- Forms in granite and pegmatite as fluorine-rich magma cools.
- Colourless, blue, golden, pink or rainbow-coated shades.
- Imperial and natural pink topaz command premium prices.
Citrine
- A variety of quartz, made of silicon dioxide.
- 7 on the Mohs scale, durable but softer than topaz.
- Forms in quartz veins and cavities. Most citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
- Pale lemon yellow to deep orange-brown only.
- Widely available and generally more affordable.
V/S
TopazCitrine
An aluminium silicate mineral containing fluorine.
Composition
A variety of quartz, made of silicon dioxide.
8 on the Mohs scale, harder and more scratch-resistant.
Hardness
7 on the Mohs scale, durable but softer than topaz.
Forms in granite and pegmatite as fluorine-rich magma cools.
Formation
Forms in quartz veins. Most citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
Colourless, blue, golden, pink or rainbow-coated shades.
Appearance
Pale lemon yellow to deep orange-brown only.
Imperial and natural pink topaz command premium prices.
Value
Widely available and generally more affordable.
How to determine a topaz's value?
Colour
The biggest factor. Natural Imperial, red and pink shades are the rarest, while treated blues are more widely available.
Clarity
Topaz is often eye-clean. Stones with no visible inclusions and a bright, glassy lustre are the most desirable.
Cut
A well-proportioned cut brings out topaz's brilliance. Its long crystals suit ovals, pears and emerald cuts.
Carat
Topaz is found in large sizes, therefore bold statement stones are far more affordable than in many other gems.
Topaz hardness & durability
8
MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS
One of the hardest gemstones and being resistant to scratches, Topaz an ideal choice for everyday wear. Although, it needs tending to with care as the gemstone possesses a perfect cleavage which means if collided in a wrong direction, it would split. We offer perfect settings in our jewellery pieces that keep the gemstone safe & secure for you to enjoy its beauty.
Natural vs. Treated, at a glance
Natural colour — Imperial, golden and some pink hues are found naturally within the Earth
Treated blue — colourless topaz treated to create a stable, permanent blue
Coated — Mystic topaz, with a thin surface layer for its rainbow effect
Imitation — glass or quartz sold under names like "smoky topaz"
How to wear topaz
Hard, bright and available in every colour of the wardrobe, topaz is made for everyday wear.
- Rings: hard enough for daily wear, with a secure setting
- Pair blue topaz with sterling silver or white gold
- Pair Imperial and golden topaz with yellow gold
- Go bold: large topaz cocktail rings stay affordable
- Stack with citrine for a November birthday look
- Take it off for heavy work, the gym or gardening
Caring for your topaz
Cleaning
1. Clean with warm, mild soapy water
2. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth
What to avoid
3. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, high heat and sudden temperature changes
4. Don't use abrasive cloths or cleaners on Mystic topaz, as they can wear the coating
Storing
5. Store it separately in a soft pouch, as topaz can scratch softer gems
6. Keep it away from perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and household chemicals
Same Gemstone, Different Looks.
The same stone wears differently depending on where it sits.
Rings
From solitaires to cocktail rings, topaz's hardness makes it a natural choice for everyday rings.
Necklaces & Pendants
A single large topaz makes a striking focal point close to the face.
Earrings
Studs for everyday sparkle, or drops that catch the light with every move.
Bracelets
Tennis and line bracelets show off topaz's range of colours in one piece.
November Birthstone
The November Birthstone
Topaz is the traditional birthstone for the month of November, reckoned for its brilliance and beautiful hues that range from sparkling, warm gold to cool blues. An ideal choice for everyday wear owing to its hardness, Topaz jewellery is an ideal birthday gift for women or even so an anniversary gift to celebrate special moments.
Shop Topaz Jewellery
Popular Gemstones
Pearl
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Ruby
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Tanzanite
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Opal
The October birthstone, opal is celebrated for its play-of-colour, with flashes of every shade that shift as the stone moves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is topaz?
Topaz is a natural gemstone made of aluminium silicate and fluorine. It forms in granite and pegmatite rock and is known for its hardness, brilliance and wide range of colours, from Imperial gold and pink to London, Swiss and Sky Blue.
Topaz is the birthstone for which month?
Topa is the traditional birthstone for November along with Citrine. Forming for an ideal gift choice to celebrate milestones, Blue Topaz forms as a perfect 4th wedding anniversary gift while Imperial Topaz makes for a regal 23rd anniversary gift for women.
Is blue topaz natural?
Pale blue Topaz does occur in nature, but most blue topaz begins as colourless topaz that is treated to create a deeper blue hue. The treatment is permanent and stable, which doesn't let the colour fade with normal wear.
What is the difference between London Blue and Swiss Blue topaz?
London Blue is the deepest shade, a rich, inky blue with a hint of grey. Swiss Blue is brighter and more vivid, while Sky Blue is the palest and softest of the three.
Is topaz durable for everyday wear?
Yes. Topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so it resists scratches well and suits rings, earrings and pendants worn every day. Because it can split from a sharp knock, a secure setting and gentle care will keep it looking its best for years.
Find your topaz
From deep London Blue to warm Imperial gold, browse the current collection to find your shade.
November birthstone
4th anniversary gift
