Topaz 
Al2(OH,F)2SiO4 - Aluminium Fluosilicate
fluorine (F) and the hydroxyl (OH) can partly replace each other
The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sankrit word tapas meaning fire. However, more likely, it probably derived its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea. Topaz comes in many colors such as blue, yellow, pink, brown, green and clear. Orange-red "Imperial" topaz is rare. Perhaps the most famous topaz is the clear, large specimen set in the Portuguese Crown, once mistaken for a diamond. Topaz is a beautiful light blue stone. It is much less expensive than aquamarine. It looks beautiful in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. More on...
Colors: Blue, yellow, pink, brown, green and clear
Lustre:
System:
Topaz is the Texas state gemstone as well as the birthstone for the month of November. It occurs naturally in many colors including blue, orange, brown, green, pink, beige and red. Colorless topaz, a common variation, can be treated by irradiation to produce a wide range of shades of blue. Thus treated, blue topaz is one of the most popular and widely used of all gemstones.
Blue topaz was adopted as the state gemstone as the result of legislation approved March 26, 1969. The same legislation also named petrified palmwood as the state stone.
The Topaz became the State Gem in 1969 (Utah Code). It is a semiprecious gem found in Beaver, Juab and Tooele counties of Utah. Small perfect cyrstals are found with quartz, hematite, bixbyite, garnet, pseudobrookite, amethyst, cristobalite, durangite, cassiterite and red beryl in cavities in rhyolite on Thomas Mountain, Juab County.
Thomas Range topaz obtained their color from natural radiation during their formation in vent pipes which trapped volatile gases in cavities within the host rhyolites. When unearthed they glow with a vibrant sherry color and with exposure to direct sunlight for awhile will generally turn clear. The sunlight (also UV radiation) reacts with the color centers in the topaz crystal structure displacing electrons which in turn change the color. However, some locations do produce topaz that fade to a beautiful pink color. Some topaz are "tougher" than others and do not have as weak a cleavage plane as the Thomas Range topaz which usually they cleave with a flat top. A favorite location for the mineral collectors and rockhounds is called "The Cove" on the southern end of the Thomas Range.
Care and Treatment
As with all gems, protect topaz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean topaz in a home ultrasonic cleaner. The best way to clean topaz is warm soapy water.
Clear topaz is commonly irradiated and heat treated to become other colors such as blue. Yellow and brown topaz is often heat treated to become pink topaz. Natural pink topaz is rare.
Reputable dealers will not use the following misleading terms. However, for your protection, I am listing them here:
"Bohemian Topaz", "Madeira Topaz" and "Occidental topaz" are really yellow quartz (also known as citrine).
"Nevada topaz" is really smoky obsidian.
"Spanish topaz" is really orange-brown quartz.
Hardness
Topaz has a hardness of 8.
Specific Gravity: 3.50 - 3.60
Healing
Balances emotions; calms passions; gout; blood disorders; hemorrhages; increases poor appetite; general tissue regeneration; VD; tuberculosis; reverses aging; spiritual rejuvenation; endocrine system stimulation; releases tension; feelings of joy.
Where Found
Topaz is found in Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Russia, and USA (Colorado, Maine and Utah).
Birthstone Months
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November: Modern Birthstone [Yellow Topaz], Ayurvedic Birthstone [all colors]
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December: Modern Birthstone [Blue Topaz]
Star Stone Months
Anniversary Gemstone
Mystical Properties
The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency.
Lore
In ancient times, a figure of a falcon was carved on a Topaz was thought to help acquire the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates.
The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency.
The Greeks felt Topaz gave them strength.
Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages.
Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that it dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well!
Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink.
Topaz is the US State Gemstone of Texas and Utah.
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