Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Topaz

The Sunlit Stone of Good Fortune

About the stone

Topaz crystal — Photo: Parent Géry, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Topaz is an aluminum fluorine silicate mineral that forms well formed vertical hexagonal crystals and small prismatic shards. Topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals, ranking an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It acts as the placeholder for that hardness. Topaz is naturally colorless with a gray hue, but can also be found in yellow/gold to golden brown. Very rarely it can be found in pink, red, purple, blue and green. Many lesser colored Topaz specimens are heat treated to enhance color. Some topaz is treated in a vacuum with titanium to give it an iridescent play of colors. Though Topaz is very hard, it is weak along one of its cleavage planes, and can break easily there, so some care must be taken when fashioning topaz into jewelry.

Mineral data

Chemical composition: Topaz is an aluminum fluorine silicate mineral, Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂, forming well-shaped vertical prismatic crystals.
Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale; topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals and is the reference mineral for that hardness.
Color: Naturally colorless with a gray hue, or yellow, gold and golden brown; rarely pink, red, purple, blue or green.

Metaphysical data

Topaz, a hard and radiant gemstone long associated with good fortune, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to soothe tension, strengthen will and draw abundance and love.

Soothing and Aligning Energy

Topaz is thought to soothe, recharge and align, releasing tension and inducing a deep sense of relaxation.
It is believed to motivate and stimulate problem solving, helping ideas take shape and be expressed with clarity.

Emotional Healing

Topaz is said to nurture truth, forgiveness and joy, loosening old resentments and opening the way to generosity.
It is thought to support self-realization and self-control, helping one respond to life from a steady, mature place.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

Topaz is considered an aligning stone that brings the energy centers into accord, supporting a free and balanced flow of vitality.
Depending on its color, it is variously linked with the solar plexus, throat and third eye, but in general it is valued for its overall harmonizing effect.

Zodiac Associations

Topaz as a whole is not strongly tied to one zodiac sign, though it is the traditional birthstone for November, linking it with Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Its association with good fortune and the sun makes it a favorite of those who seek optimism and abundance, whatever their sign.

Spiritual Growth

Topaz is traditionally called a stone of good fortune, credited with bringing prosperity and abundance to the wearer.
It is often used for visualization and manifestation, and it is believed to strengthen personal will when that will is aligned with the highest good.

Physical Healing

Topaz is not a substitute for professional medical advice, but it is traditionally believed to promote health and relaxation of body and mind.
It is also said to bestow charisma and draw love to its wearer, offering emotional rather than medical support.

Care and handling

Topaz is very hard, but it has perfect cleavage in one direction and can break cleanly if struck, so protect it from knocks. Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and sudden temperature changes, and keep treated-color stones out of strong sunlight, which can fade some colors over time. Titanium-coated stones should be cared for gently.

Individual experiences with Topaz vary, and its effects are personal. Approach it with mindful gratitude and an open heart, and let its warm light remind you of the abundance already present in your life.