gemstone

White Topaz (faceted)

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

Hardness: 8.0 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect basal. Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.6. Cut: Brilliant-cut facets.

Hardness: 8
Color: Colorless
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 12, 2026More gemstone →

Explore White Topaz (faceted) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Perfect basal. Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.6. Cut: Brilliant-cut facets.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a result of fluorine-bearing vapors given off during the last stages of crystallization in igneous rocks like granite and rhyolite, often found in pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a more affordable alternative to diamond, as well as in industrial applications requiring high thermal and chemical stability.

Geological facts

Topaz is pleochroic, meaning it can show different colors in different crystal directions. Pure topaz is naturally colorless; the many colors found in nature are due to impurities or structural defects.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hardness (8), high specific gravity, and perfect basal cleavage. Common localities include Brazil, Russia, and the United States (Texas/Utah).

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

gemstone

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

mineral