A Gem of Many Faces
Topaz is a brilliant, glassy gem found in Sri Lanka's gem gravels. It's quite hard (Mohs 8) and has excellent clarity, making it a favourite for large, eye-catching jewellery. Its colours range from colourless and pale blue to warm golden and sherry tones.
Common Varieties
- Blue topaz — from pale sky blue to deep "London blue"; much blue topaz on the market is colour-enhanced from colourless material.
- Imperial / golden topaz — warm orange-gold to sherry, the most valuable natural colour.
- Colourless topaz — clear and bright, sometimes used as a diamond alternative.
What Affects Value
- Colour — natural golden "imperial" topaz and rich natural blues are most valued.
- Clarity — topaz is often very clean; eye-clean stones are expected.
- Cut & carat — topaz crystals can be large, so sizeable clean stones are available.
- Natural vs treated — ask whether a blue stone's colour is natural or enhanced.
Don't Confuse It With...
Cheaper stones and other gems are sometimes sold as "topaz." Certification confirms identity — see our buyer's guide.
See the Source
Browse Ratnapura accommodation and the Island of Gems overview.
Quick Facts
| Mineral | Topaz |
| Colours | Colourless, blue, golden "imperial" |
| Hardness | 8 (Mohs) |
| Treatment | Much blue topaz is colour-enhanced |
| Most valuable | Natural golden/imperial topaz |
| Main SL source | Ratnapura gem fields |
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours does topaz come in? Colourless, pale-to-deep blue, and warm golden "imperial" and sherry tones.
Is blue topaz natural? Often not — much blue topaz on the market is colour-enhanced from colourless material; ask whether colour is natural.
Which topaz is most valuable? Natural golden "imperial" topaz and rich natural blues.
Is topaz durable? It's hard (8) but has a cleavage plane, so avoid sharp knocks; otherwise great for jewellery.