topaz
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɒpæz/
US
- /ˈtoʊˌpæz/
Description
- gemstone in many colors
- hard mineral
- jewelry stone
- November birthstone
Topaz is a hard mineral that people value as a gemstone. Many people picture it as golden or yellow, but it can also be blue, pink, brown, green, or even colorless. For a long time, people have admired it for its beauty and linked it to old stories and beliefs. Today, it is best known as the birthstone for November, so it often appears in gifts and jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and earrings.
When you see a bright, polished gem in a shop window, it may be topaz. It is loved for its shine, its range of colors, and the sense of history that comes with it.
Topaz is a mineral that is widely known as a gemstone. People often connect it with warm golden-yellow shades, especially when they think of traditional jewelry, but it actually appears in many colors, including blue, pink, orange, brown, green, and colorless forms. Some colors occur naturally, while others, especially many blue stones sold in stores, are produced by treating the stone.
For centuries, topaz has attracted attention not only for its beauty but also for the stories built around it. In the ancient world, some people believed it could give strength, offer protection, or carry the power of the sun. These old ideas helped give the stone a special place in art, jewelry, and popular belief.
In modern use, topaz is most often seen in jewelry such as rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. It is fairly hard, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, so it can hold a good polish and is suitable for many kinds of wear, though it still needs care because it can crack if hit hard. It is also well known as the birthstone for November, which makes it a common choice for birthday gifts.
So when people talk about topaz, they usually mean a beautiful gemstone with a wide range of colors, a long cultural history, and an important place in both traditional and modern jewelry.
Examples
- 1
Jewelry
She chose a simple ring with a small topaz in the center.
Meaning
topaz
a gemstone, often used in jewelry
- 2
Earrings
Her earrings were set with pale blue topaz.
- 3
Gem comparison
The jeweler laid out several topazes on a black cloth so we could compare their color.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- topaznoun
Forms
- topazespluralnoun