TOPAZ

Unlike citrine, the stone it is most often confused with, topaz is not a cheap stone. The most valuable variety of topaz is the golden brown/sherry colour. The most important source of high quality topaz is Brazil in the Ouro Preto area of Minas Gerais. Here it is found in Pegmite rocks or as stream pebbles. Throughout history the stone was thought to possess many magical properties. It is said to relieve depression, give courage, strengthen love and banish guilt. Location - Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka Group - Topaz R.I. - 1.610-1.62 Hardness - 8