mineral

White Topaz

Topaz [Al2SiO4(F,OH)2]

Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless (White). Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage. Specific Gravity: 3.49 - 3.57.

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

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless (White). Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage. Specific Gravity: 3.49 - 3.57.

Formation & geological history

Formed in late stages of igneous rock cooling within cavities (vugs) of granite pegmatites and rhyolitic lava flows. Can be found in alluvial deposits. They range from recent formations to hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a substitute for diamond due to its hardness and clarity. Also used as a gemstone for collectors and in some specialized industrial abrasive applications.

Geological facts

Topaz is the hardest silicate mineral. Throughout history, all yellow gemstones were called 'topaz', but true white topaz is completely colorless and pure. It is pleochroic, meaning it can show different colors from different angles, though this is less visible in white specimens.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high hardness (it will scratch quartz), high density, and perfect basal cleavage (splits flat along the base). Commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, and Russia (Urals). Collectors look for clarity and the precision of the facet cuts.