TOPAZ
Subject: Topaz article
Topaz is a silicate mineral that is comprised of aluminum and fluorine. Pure topaz has no color and is usually transparent with a few visual impurities.
Typical topaz colors include red ,reddish-orange, yellow, pale gray, or the very popular white topaz. The most valuable color of natural topaz is red. It is so rare that only 1% of all gem grade topaz has this quality. This type is called Imperial Topaz.
Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is the birthstone for the month of November.
Because of it's hardness topaz is a great choice for jewelry that is worn daily. It is pretty much scratch resistant, but unlike diamond it can be chipped or cracked if struck a hard enough blow.
Topaz is generally mined in Russia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Nigeria. A small amount can also be found in the United States , for example Topaz Mountain in western Utah.
Topaz symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness, and friendship. The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase one's strength, while the Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, the roman sun god.