Rutile topaz is topaz streaked with yellow-brown fine lines resembling needles. These lines are not made of rutile. They are hollow tubes stained with limonite – a mixture of hydrated yellow-brown iron oxides.

The word “topaz” probably comes from the word “Topazos” which is an island – now called Zabargad – in the Red Sea. In ancient times all golden-brown and green gemstones were referred to as topaz. Today topaz is often called “precious topaz.” Modern-day topaz deposits are located in many parts of the world the most important being Brazil.

Topaz gemstones come in a variety of colors, such as blue, brown, green, orange, pink, red and clear. Yellow with a reddish tint is the most common color but blue is probably the most popular. The color depends on the amount of iron and chromium present in the gemstone. Topaz may show pleochroism and appear in different colors depending on the angle viewed.

Topaz is usually transparent or translucent with a vitreous glassy luster. It rates an 8 on Moh’s scale of hardness. It is brittle and can be damaged with hard knocks. Extremely large sizes of topaz have been found in deposits. The largest cut yellow topaz in the world weighs in at 22,892.50 carats.

Ancient people believed in the healing and magical powers of topaz. Egyptians thought their Sun God Ra colored the stone with a golden glow and kept the wearer of the topaz amulet safe. Greeks thought wearers of topaz had increased strength. Others thought topaz could cure asthma, insomnia and other ailments.