The mineral and gemstone topaz, an aluminum fluorsilicate, is a popular gem that occurs in both a yellowish, orange, and bluish color. Topaz can also be found in different shades of pink, and can be found colorless. Topaz has a hardness of 8, which is a high hardness but less than the hardness of diamond, ruby, or sapphire. The orange variety of topaz is the birthstone of November. Topaz specimens can be found throughout the world, however nice specimens are found in the Ural Mountains in Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and in North America (Chesterman 580). Within the United States, New Hampshire, Utah, California, and Colorado are known for excellent specimens of topaz.

This image was taken from: http://www.thesapphirestore.com

For more information and images visit these sites about Topaz. For information of Topaz as the birthstone of November click here. To look into the blue variety of Topaz try this site. For more information on Topaz click here.

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