# Topaz

> Topaz is a hard aluminum silicate (8 on Mohs) with easy cleavage; blue topaz is usually treated. The November birthstone.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/topaz/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-17
- Updated: 2026-07-17
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/topacio/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Topaz is a hard, transparent gem found in many colors. The one most seen in jewelry is blue topaz, almost always treated from colorless topaz.

## Properties

- **Composition:** aluminum silicate with fluorine.
- **Hardness:** 8 on the Mohs scale, but with perfect cleavage: it chips with a knock.
- **Color:** colorless, blue, yellow, pink, orange (imperial topaz) and others.
- **Origins:** Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and the US.
- **Treatments:** blue topaz is almost always made by irradiation and heat.

## Uses in jewelry

- Rings, earrings and pendants.
- November jewelry (birthstone, together with citrine).

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Brilliant and transparent.
- Widely available and affordable (blue).
- Many colors.

### Limitations

- Its cleavage means it chips on impact.
- Blue is almost always treated.
- Some colors (imperial) are expensive.

## Care and cleaning

- Avoid knocks and sudden temperature changes.
- Clean with lukewarm water and a soft brush.
- Do not use ultrasonic on pieces with fractures.

## See also

- [Quartz and its varieties](https://www.711grados.com/en/quartz/)
- [Birthstones by month](https://www.711grados.com/en/birthstones-by-month/)