Topaz is a versatile, durable gemstonethat comes in a variety of colors, including a colorless form. The most well-known topaz colors are blue and orange.

Topaz is beloved worldwide, but two U.S. states have made this love official. Both Texas and Utah claim topaz as their official state gem. Texas chose to honor blue topaz, while Utah pays tribute to orange topaz.

Topaz has even been referenced in many historical works. If you’ve heard of Dante’s Divine Comedy, you may know the third part of the work, Paradiso. After meeting a heavenly soul, the narrator praises her kindness with a topaz metaphor:

“Save in my heart, for this paternal welcome. Truly do I entreat thee, living topaz!”