Topaz
ExploreMineral
Topaz
Topaz is a sparkling gemstone that can be yellow, blue, or clear! It is very popular in jewelry.
Appearance
The Topaz is a beautiful mineral known for its remarkable clarity and often vibrant colors. It typically forms elongated, prismatic crystals with pyramid-like terminations, making its distinct crystal shape easily recognizable. While often colorless, it can also display stunning golden yellows, fiery oranges, and serene blues.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient cultures believed topaz could protect them from harm and even make them invisible!
Some rare topaz crystals can display different colors when viewed from various angles!
The largest cut topaz gemstone weighed over 20,000 carats, a true giant!
While often clear, special heating can turn some colorless topaz into beautiful blue gems!
Special abilities
Ability
Hardness Hero
Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it very resistant to scratches and incredibly durable for jewelry.
Ability
Crystal Cleaver
Topaz possesses perfect basal cleavage, allowing it to split smoothly in one direction when impacted.
Ability
Density Dynamo
Topaz has a high specific gravity (3.4-3.6), making it feel surprisingly heavy for its size.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, green, brown, violet
- Hardness
- 8
- Luster
- vitreous
- Specific Gravity
- 3.4
- Crystal System
- orthorhombic
Traits
Vitreous Luster
Vitreous luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling glass, often translucent or transparent.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light or other non-visible radiation, a phenomenon called fluorescence.
Gemstone
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Natural
Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.
Also known as
Blue TopazGolden TopazImperial Topaz
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Topaz be?
colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, green, brown, violet
How hard is Topaz?
8
What kind of luster does Topaz have?
vitreous
What is Topaz's specific gravity?
3.4
What crystal system does Topaz belong to?
orthorhombic
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
