mineral

White Topaz

Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2)

Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage; Specific Gravity: 3.4 to 3.6.

Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
Color: Colorless (white)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage; Specific Gravity: 3.4 to 3.6.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a result of fluorine-rich vapors given off during the final stages of the crystallization of igneous rocks (primarily granites and pegmatites). It can also be found in alluvial deposits. Geological age varies by location, occurring in Precambrian to Cenozoic formations.

Uses & applications

Major use in the jewelry industry as a diamond substitute due to its hardness and clarity. Also used as a gemstone for collectors and industrial applications requiring high-temperature stability.

Geological facts

Topaz is the state gemstone of Utah and the birthstone for November. In ancient times, the Greeks believed it gave them strength, and in the Middle Ages, Europeans thought it could dispel spells and anger.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high hardness (it cuts glass easily), its orthorhombic crystal habit (typically prismatic), and its weight (higher specific gravity than quartz). Common locations include Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States (Texas and Colorado).

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral