topaz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to mediumFormal or technical
Quick answer
What does “topaz” mean?
A precious gemstone, typically yellow, brown, or colorless, used in jewelry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A precious gemstone, typically yellow, brown, or colorless, used in jewelry.
Can refer to a color resembling the stone, or figuratively to denote something precious, clear, or valuable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; pronunciation varies slightly, but usage and meaning are identical.
Connotations
Both associate topaz with luxury, beauty, and sometimes birthstones (November).
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday speech but familiar in jewelry and gemology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “topaz” in a Sentence
topaz from [location]topaz of [color]topaz in [setting]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “topaz” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She wore a topaz brooch to the event.
American English
- He gifted her a topaz necklace for their anniversary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In jewelry retail, topaz is marketed for its affordability and variety of colors.
Academic
In geology, topaz is studied for its formation in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Everyday
She received a topaz pendant as a gift.
Technical
Topaz has a chemical formula of Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ and a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “topaz”
- Misspelling as 'topas' or mispronouncing with a short o sound /tɒpæz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, topaz occurs in various colors including blue, pink, orange, and colorless, due to impurities or treatments.
In British English, it is typically pronounced as /ˈtəʊpæz/.
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for jewelry.
Yes, topaz is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something clear, precious, or valuable, e.g., 'her topaz clarity of thought'.
A precious gemstone, typically yellow, brown, or colorless, used in jewelry.
Topaz is usually formal or technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'top' for high quality and 'az' like azure, though topaz isn't always blue.
Conceptual Metaphor
Topaz as a symbol of clarity, transparency, and enduring value.
Practice
Quiz
What is topaz primarily classified as?