Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Topaz crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. It has crystals that are almost all prismatic terminated by pyramidal and other faces.

Pure topaz is transparent, with no color except the tint given by impurities. Most typical topaz are wine red, yellow, blue brown, pale gray or reddish-orange. It is also found in white, pale green or blue.  Naturally occurring blue topaz is quite rare and also the state gemstone of Texas.  Generally, colorless, gray or pale yellow and blue material is treated with heat and irradiated for it to reach a darker blue.

Other specimens are opaque to transparent/translucent, gold and reddish-yellow. Orange topaz, also known as precious topaz, is the November birthstone. It is the symbol of friendship and the state gemstone of Utah.  

Imperial topaz is yellow, pink or pink-orange. Imperial Topaz can often have a bright yellow to deep golden brown hue, sometimes even violet. Many brown or pale topazes are treated to make them bright yellow, gold, pink or violet colored. Some imperial topaz stones can fade after prolonged sun exposure.

Mystic topaz is colorless topaz that has been artificially coated giving it the desired rainbow effect.

Various areas in the US,  Russia, Czech Republic, Norway, Afghanistan, Italy, Japan, and Mexico have topaz to be found. Other areas include Brazil, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia and Nigeria.

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