topaz

American  

[toh-paz] / ˈtoʊ pæz /

noun

1. a mineral, a fluosilicate of aluminum, usually occurring in prismatic orthorhombic crystals of various colors, and used as a gem.

2. citrine.

3. either of two South American hummingbirds, Topaza pella or T. pyra, having chiefly red and crimson plumage and a yellowish-green throat with a topaz sheen.

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topaz British  

/ ˈtəʊpæz /

noun

1. a white or colourless mineral often tinted by impurities, found in cavities in igneous rocks and in quartz veins. It is used as a gemstone. Composition: hydrated aluminium silicate. Formula: Al 2 SiO 4 (F,OH) 2 . Crystal structure: orthorhombic

2. a yellowish-brown variety of sapphire

3. another name for citrine

4. 1. a yellowish-brown colour, as in some varieties of topaz

   2. ( as adjective )

      topaz eyes

5. either of two South American hummingbirds, Topaza pyra and T. pella

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topaz Scientific  

/ tō′păz′ /

1. A colorless, blue, yellow, brown, or pink orthorhombic mineral valued as a gem. Topaz occurs as transparent or translucent prisms in silica-rich igneous rocks, such as pegmatite, and in tin-bearing rock veins. Chemical formula: Al ₂ SiO ₄ (F,OH) ₂ .

2. Any of various yellow gemstones, especially a yellow variety of sapphire or corundum.

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Usage

What does topaz mean? Topaz is a transparent gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Clear topaz is sometimes artificially treated to produce a blue color, among other colors. Topaz is commonly used in jewelry, especially its yellow and orange varieties. As a gemstone, topaz is considered semiprecious, which is a label given to some gemstones that are not as valuable as those considered precious. Topaz is the traditional birthstone for the month of November. It is sometimes confused with the other birthstone for November, citrine (sometimes known as false topaz or topaz quartz), due to having similar coloring in some cases. It is also sometimes confused with yellow sapphire for the same reason. Example: Your ring is beautiful—is that purple topaz?

Other Word Forms

• topazine adjective

Etymology

Origin of topaz

1225–75; < Latin topazus < Greek tópazos; replacing Middle English topace < Old French < Latin, as above

Compare meaning

How does topaz compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• citrine vs. topaz

Explanation

Topaz is yellow quartz, and you may have seen it in your grandmother's beaded jewelry. Topaz can mean a type of mineral that is found in many different colors. It can also specifically mean yellow quartz that is also called imperial topaz, common topaz, or false topaz. Topaz is often used in necklaces, earrings, and other types of jewelry. Chances are you've seen a woman wearing topaz at some point. This type of topaz is common and not as precious as some other types of gems such as emeralds or rubies. Still, most would consider topaz pretty.

Example Sentences

The findings included nearly 1,800 gems, including rubies, topaz, sapphires and patterned gold sheets, stored inside a brick chamber.

From BBC • May 6, 2025

There are also pink opals, pink malaya garnets, pink topaz.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022

Mary wears a light pink gown mostly covered by her traditionally blue robe, which here has a touch of topaz.

From New York Times • Nov. 22, 2018

Instead of a conventional engagement ring, Hagedorn is refitting his grandfather’s antique topaz ring, a cherished family heirloom, for her.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2017

Claudia looked at her guide’s skin and thought of smoky topaz: November, her mother’s birthstone.

From "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg