Topaz is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. Common colors include gold, yellow, yellow-orange, brown, pink, peach, red, purple, greenish-blue, and blue, although the blue topaz variety is often heat treated or irradiated to bring out the popular color. Topaz scores an 8 on the Moh's Scale, making it an extremely durable gem ideally suited for jewelry of all kinds; however care should be taken to avoid hard blows as the crystalline structure has a tendency to cleave. The gold and orange varieties of Topaz are November's birthstone, and the blue varieties are a substitute for December's birthstone. Mined mainly in Brazil and Namibia, Topaz has been found all over the world, making it a popular and prized gemstone for centuries.
See Also: Birthstones, Moh's Scale of Hardness