Topaz Color: More Than Just Yellow

For much of history, any yellow gemstone was often called topaz, and people assumed all “topaz” was yellow. However, true topaz comes in a wide range of colors and may not even be linked to the stones that first bore its name.

The name "topaz" originates from Topazios, the ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. While yellow stones were famously mined there, they likely weren’t actually topaz. Nonetheless, the name soon became synonymous with most yellowish stones.

Interestingly, pure topaz is actually colorless! Various impurities lend topaz its rich spectrum, allowing it to appear in nearly every color of the rainbow. Precious topaz, ranging from brownish orange to yellow, is often mistaken for smoky quartz or citrine quartz—though quartz and topaz are entirely different minerals.

Among the most coveted topaz colors is Imperial topaz, recognized for its brilliant orange hue with subtle pink undertones. While blue topaz is increasingly common on the market, it rarely occurs naturally. Instead, most blue topaz owes its color to irradiation treatment.

Topaz Jewelry: Production & Durability

Brazil leads as the largest producer of top-quality topaz, with other sources spanning Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, Mexico, and parts of the U.S., such as California, Utah, and New Hampshire.

With a Mohs hardness rating of 8, topaz is both hard and durable. However, due to its perfect cleavage, it can be prone to chipping or cracking. When expertly cut, though, topaz is an ideal choice for stunning, wearable jewelry.