TOPAZ

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