Imperial topaz, traditional
birthstone for
November, are the most desired, and most expensive, of all the topaz gems. The color of an Imperial topaz can range from sherry red with deep pink and orange undertones, or peachy to reddish orange. The color and depth of these gemstones is truly amazing and it's no wonder they command high prices. Once you have seen an Imperial, there is no mistaking it for yellow topaz or
citrine gemstones. With a
Mohs scale hardness of 8, this topaz is perfect for all jewelry.
Imperial topaz are found only in Ouro Preto, which is in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The world's entire supply of Imperial Topaz is mined in a 60 mile area around Ouro Preto. Most of the gemstones come from two mines, the Vermelhao Mine and the Capao Mine. Even though Brazil has the richest and largest concentration of all gem bearing pegmatites, many gemologists expect the Imperial Topaz sources to be completely exhausted within a few years.