The name topaz means fire.

Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors including red, orange, peach, pink, gold, yellow, brown and clear. Naturally pale to medium blue topaz is enhanced by heat to produce a more intense blue color.

Red and pink topaz gems are sometimes called "Imperial Topaz". Topaz is found in igneous and sedimentary rocks. When it is heated, topaz can change color. Topaz is often found with quartz.

It is mined using surface mining such as open pit mining. Underground mining is sometimes used, too. Topaz can be found in large chunks or end up broken when it’s mined.

Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, an 8 on the hardness scale, it can be split with a single blow and should be protected from hard knocks,

Topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death.

Some believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible. Others believed it had power to improve eyesight.
Some wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.