Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
Topaz
Imperial topaz is the precious orange-pink from Ouro Preto, and a perfect basal cleavage splits the crystal if the knock is right.
- Formula
- Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Colour
- yellow, blue, pink
- Element
- fire
- Chakra (tradition)
- solar plexus
- Zodiac
- Scorpio, Sagittarius, Leo
- Month
- November
- Where the earth keeps it
- Brazil, Russia, Pakistan
What it actually is
Topaz is Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ before it is a story. The lattice is orthorhombic, Mohs 8, and the eye meets yellow, blue, pink.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Brazil, Russia, Pakistan. Imperial topaz is the precious orange-pink from Ouro Preto, and a perfect basal cleavage splits the crystal if the knock is right.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Topaz to fire and to the solar plexus centre. The old site stood it near: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Leo. Old tables sit it beside November.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.