Chemical composition: ALSi04 (F, 0H)2 A1203 = 56.6%, Si02 = 33.4% and H20 = 10%.

Physical properties:

(i) Form: Prismatic, columnar and granular.

(ii) Colour: Colourless, wine-yellow, straw-yellow, white, grayish, blue or pink.

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(iii) Lustre: Vitreous.

(iv) Streak: White.

(v) Hardness: 8.

(vi) Cleavage: Perfect 1 set.

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(vii) Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven.

(viii) Specific gravity: 3.5 – 3.6.

(ix) Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent.

Use: Topaz is used as abrasive and the transparent varieties are used as gemstone.