Sherry Topaz is a highly prized, warm-toned variety of topaz named for its distinct golden-brown to reddish-brown coloration reminiscent of sherry wine. Collectors should look for intense color saturation, as these stones are often faceted into high-end jewelry and are particularly famous from the Ouro Preto region of Brazil.
Is this sherry topaz?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch sherry topaz with a known reference. Sherry Topaz sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sherry Topaz leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sherry Topaz typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow-brown, golden-brown, orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Sherry Topaz vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Sherry Topaz is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 7).
How to tell apart: Sherry Topaz is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 7).
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sherry Topaz and adamantine on Zircon.
Often found alongside sherry topaz
Minerals reported to co-occur with sherry topaz. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 3.49-3.57 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- Rhyolite Cavities and Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 per carat depending on saturation and clarity
Where rockhounds find sherry topaz
Classic worldwide localities
- Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Pakistan
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in rhyolite cavities and pegmatites country, the host setting where sherry topaz typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sherry topaz on the map
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