Topaz

Topaz is a transparent to translucent gem that can occur as yellow, brown, orange, pink, blue or colourless. The most valuable colour is a golden yellow known as ‘Imperial Topaz.’ Topaz is also pleochroic, meaning that it can appear in different shades when viewed from different angles.

Formerly, topaz was the name given to all gemstones that were yellow, brown or green, and the name is derived from the island Topazos (now Zabargad) which was the ancient source of Peridot. Topaz is the birthstone for November, and blue topaz is gifted for four-year wedding anniversaries. Topaz has been found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, China, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico and many other locations.