|
|
 |
What is it and where is it formed? Topaz
is a gemstone and the birthstone for November. This mineral is
found in igneous and
sedimentary rocks. When it is heated,
topaz can change color. Topaz is often found with
quartz. |
|
|
How and where is it mined? It is mined
using surface mining such as
open pit
mining.
Underground
mining is sometimes used, too. Mining companies choose the kind of mining
that they will use depending on how deep the mineral is
underground. Topaz can be found in large chunks or end up
broken when it’s mined. Topaz is mined in Australia, Namibia,
Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan, Brazil, and the U.S.A. (California, New
Hampshire, Utah). |
|
|
What is it used for? Topaz is used for
jewelry. Orange-yellow topaz is the most valuable. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Mineral Characteristic |
What the
mineralogists say |
Kid's Guide: What it REALLY
means! |
| Chemical Symbol |
Al2SiO4(F,OH)3 |
It
has oxygen, aluminum, silicon, fluorine, and hydrogen in
it. |
| Color |
Yellow, brown, blue |
These are the most common colors for topaz. It might be
clear, orange, or green, too. |
| Streak |
White |
If
you crush this stone, its dust would be white—no matter
what color the stone was. |
| Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
You
can see through some stones clearly but others would be
blurry to look through. The
purer it is, the clearer it will be. |
| Luster |
Adamantine to vitreous |
This
stone shines a LOT. Some shine like glass and others
shine as much as diamonds! |
| Cleavage |
Perfect |
If
you break this stone, it breaks the same each time. |
| Fracture |
Conchoidal |
When
it breaks into small pieces, the surfaces of the pieces
are smooth. |
| Magnetism |
None |
It
is not attracted to and will not attract a magnet. |
| Hardness |
8 |
It
is very hard and can scratch glass. |
| Specific gravity |
3.5 |
This
stone is a little heavier than you would expect in a
stone of its size. |
| Crystal Shape |
Orthorhombic |
 |
|
|
 |
|
Links:
|
Printer
friendly version |
Citations:
Pellant, Chris.
Rocks and Minerals.
New York: Dorling
Kindersley, 1992.
“Topaz.”
21 Oct. 2005. <http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/topaz/topaz.htm>.
“Topaz.” World Book Encyclopedia. 2000 ed.
Zim, Herbert S.
Rocks and minerals: a guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores and rocks.
New York: Golden Press, 1957.
|
|
