The New Student's Reference Work/Topaz

To′paz, a mineral and a gem, the finer varieties of which are much valued for their luster and the beauty of their colors. It is made up chiefly of alumina, silica and fluorine. It is usually found in very old rocks and in most parts of the world. Fine topazes are found in Ceylon, but those most prized come from Brazil. Topaz either is colorless or in many shades of red, blue, green or yellow; it is translucent or almost transparent on the edges; and it is harder than quartz. When cut or set, topazes are easily mistaken for diamonds or rubies, but they are not so hard as either of these gems.