Yes. Although it is 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz has perfect cleavage, so a sharp knock or sudden heat can split it.

How should I clean topaz?

Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Does topaz fade in sunlight?

Some natural brown and sherry topaz can fade in strong sunlight over time, so store it away from windows.

Can I wear topaz every day?

Yes, it resists scratches well. Remove it for heavy work and choose a setting that protects the edges.

How can I tell topaz from quartz?

Topaz feels heavier than quartz of the same size. A gem tester or lab test can confirm it.

Topaz Care: Cleaning and Protecting a Hard Gem

Topaz Is Hard, Not Unbreakable: How to Look After It

In short: Topaz is hard at 8 on the Mohs scale but has perfect cleavage, so a sharp knock or sudden temperature change can split it. Remove a topaz ring for gym work, gardening and heavy lifting, choose a protective setting, clean it with mild soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

2 min read

In this article

The cleavage problem
Everyday wear
Cleaning
Light and heat
Storing it
Is it topaz?
Price
Sunehla in tradition
Before you pay

GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.

Reviewed on 19 October 2026

Topaz (sunehla) sits at 8 on the Mohs scale, harder than quartz and tough enough to keep its polish for years in a daily ring. Yet jewellers see chipped and split topaz regularly. The reason is cleavage, and once you understand it, caring for topaz becomes simple.

The cleavage problem

Topaz has perfect cleavage in one direction: a plane of weakness running through the crystal. A sharp knock at the wrong angle, or a sudden change in temperature, can split the stone cleanly along that plane even though its surface resists scratches. So topaz will not wear down, but it can break if it is struck.

Everyday wear

Take a topaz ring off for gym work, gardening, heavy lifting and anything that might knock it against a hard surface.
A setting that protects the corners and girdle, such as a bezel or a well-built prong setting, reduces risk.
Have the setting checked from time to time so the stone cannot loosen.

Cleaning

Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as vibration and heat can trigger cleavage. Keep it away from very hot water and direct flames, such as during jewellery repairs.

Light and heat

Some natural brown and sherry-coloured topaz can fade if left in strong sunlight for long periods. Store it away from windows and heaters. Most other colours are stable under normal conditions.

Storing it

At 8 on the Mohs scale topaz can scratch softer stones such as opal, pearl and agate, and it can be scratched by sapphire, ruby and diamond. Keep it in its own pouch or a lined compartment.

Is it topaz?

Quartz and glass are the usual look-alikes. Topaz feels noticeably heavier than a quartz stone of the same size, and under a loupe it may show tiny cleavage cracks with a rainbow sheen. Glass shows round bubbles and warms quickly in the hand. Ask the seller to write that the stone is natural topaz and whether it has been treated.

Price

Colour, clarity, cut and size drive topaz prices, with richer golden and orange tones at the top. We price each stone individually.

Sunehla in tradition

In South Asian astrology topaz is linked with Jupiter (Brihaspati) and is traditionally worn for wisdom and prosperity. These are beliefs rather than guaranteed outcomes; agree weight, metal and finger with your astrologer. Our rashi guide lists the usual pairings.

Before you pay

Confirm the stone is natural, any treatment is disclosed in writing and the weight is the cut stone's. We inspect every stone and photograph each one alone. Browse our topaz, or compare amethyst and garnet. Urdu and English names are on our gem names page, and Cash on Delivery reaches Lahore, Karachi and every other city.

References