Topaz - More Than Just a Pretty Blue Gem

When most people hear the word topaz, they immediately think blue. But if you're a mineral enthusiast—or just a fan of colorful things—you’ll know topaz is actually one of the most diverse and misunderstood gems out there. From fiery oranges to delicate pinks, this stone is anything but one-note.

A World Traveler

Topaz is found all over the globe, with Brazil being the superstar of production. Other sources include Russia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia. These regions produce everything from gem-quality stones to crystal specimens collectors drool over.

On the Mohs scale, topaz scores a solid 8, which makes it a pretty durable choice for jewelry. It’s not invincible (watch out for hard knocks and extreme pressure), but it can definitely handle daily wear better than many other colored gems.

Not Just Blue

Here’s the thing: blue topaz is so common on the market that many assume that’s its natural color. But in reality, most of that bright sky-blue topaz started out colorless and was treated—usually by irradiation and heating—to get that familiar blue hue.

Naturally occurring blue topaz does exist, but it’s pretty rare. What’s even more exciting is the full rainbow of colors that topaz can naturally display:

• Yellow, brown, and orange shades are fairly common

• Green, red, pink, and purple are rarer and more valuable

• And yes, colorless topaz is widely found and often used as a budget-friendly alternative to diamond

Topaz is also pleochroic, meaning it can show different colors depending on the angle you’re viewing it from. That, paired with its allochromatic nature (where color comes from impurities or structural defects), makes topaz one of the most fascinating gemstones in terms of color science.

What Makes Topaz Colorful?

The color you see in topaz often depends on what’s happening inside the crystal:

• Chromium impurities = pinks, reds, and purples

• Defects in the crystal structure = yellows, browns, and blues

• A combo of both = that rich, orange hue

Speaking of orange…

The Imperial Legacy

Let’s talk Imperial Topaz, the crown jewel of the topaz family. These gems boast reddish-orange to orange-red tones and are especially prized. The term originated in 19th-century Russia, when topaz mined in the Ural Mountains was reserved exclusively for the Tsar and his royal court. (Because why wouldn’t royalty claim the prettiest stones for themselves?)

Those Russian sources are now mostly tapped out, but Brazil has stepped in to fill the gap, producing the majority of today’s high-quality Imperial topaz. If you come across a certified natural Imperial stone, it’s a gem worth showing off—or locking in a display case.