Topaz
What is topaz?
Topaz is a silicate mineral made up of aluminium and fluorine. The origin of the name Topaz is unclear. Possibly derived from the Topazos, an island in the Red Sea although the island, later named Zabargad, was mined for peridot, not topaz. Equally it could have come from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire, referencing the often found orangy-yellow colour which is now commonly referred to as sherry topaz.
What colour is topaz?
Orangy-yellow (referred to as sherry topaz) and blue are the most commonly found colours on the market, with names to indicate their colour, such as Sky blue (light), Swiss blue (mid), and London blue (deep).
Imperial topaz with its pinky-orange hue is highly prized. So too is pink topaz, which, although found in Russia and Brazil, those found in the Mardan district of Pakistan are highly esteemed. However Red topaz remains the most highly valued.
Much sherry and blue topaz is inclusion-free and, due to its relative abundance, is a common gem for adornment and often seen in large sizes.
Where does topaz come from?
Most gem quality topaz is mined in Brazil, however other occurrences include Russia, Australia, Sri Lank, Myanmar, and the USA.