Topaz (TOE-paz) is colorless in its pure form, but many colors can result from various impurities, generally iron and chromium. Topaz can be yellow, grey, brown, orange, blue, green, red, pink, or purple, with yellow being the most common color and purple being the rarest. Blue is a popular color, but it is remarkably rare naturally, so more common colors of topaz are often irradiated in order to obtain this more desirable deep blue. Imperial topaz, also called golden topaz, usually has a golden tone, but may also have a pink or red hue.
It has a Mohs hardness of 8 and an orthorhombic crystal structure.
It is the main birthstone for November (the alternate being citrine).
Locations: Topaz can be found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, Germany, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and the USA; natural light blue topaz is mined in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Properties: The color of topaz determines its properties.
- Imperial (Golden) topaz is a solar plexus stone, meaning it aids in manifestation and strengthening will. It stimulates creativity and improves one’s ability to focus and clarify their intentions. In addition, it can help establish clear boundaries and ensure speech and action are in alignment. It may be useful in aiding treatment of urinary and kidney problems.
- Blue topaz is a stone of the third eye and throat chakras, meaning it enhances verbal communication and mental processes, including attuning to higher mental or psychic functions. It is a good stone for learning, aiding in the processing and integration of complex ideas. Its calming, soothing effect on the mind clears the debris of our usual inner monologue so that there is room for new ideas, communication, and heightened clarity. This also means that it can potentially help people overcome fear of public speaking and speech impediments. Some use natural blue topaz in the treatment of sore throats, hyperthyroidism, migraines, and general neck and throat health.