Although topaz is an exceptionally hard mineral, it's also fragile.
In relation to rocks and minerals, hardness and toughness are not the same. Topaz is not an easy gemstone to cut because it breaks easily along planes of weakness in its crystal structure.
Although found in several countries around the world, most topaz comes from Brazil.
The name 'topaz' comes from a small island in the Red Sea, once known as Topazios.
Pliny the Elder, ancient Roman author, naturalist and philosopher wrote about finding 'topazos' on what is today known as St. John's Island.
It's believed 'topazos' actually referred to olivine (the gemstone peridot), which was found there in abundance.
Topaz is also mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus.
Although blue topaz does occur naturally, the vast majority is produced by irradiating (heating) white or colourless topaz.
TIGERS EYE
