Topaz
"Who first comes to this world below, In dreary November's fog and snow, Should prize the topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true."
- Gregorian Birthstone Poems
According to the Roman author Pliny, the Topaz derives its name from the Island of Topazos in the Red Sea, where it was first found, and he says the word Topazein means "to seek after" the island being so often lost amidst fogs. Some pirates who were weather-bound on this island and hard-pressed by famine, in tearing up roots for food accidentally discovered the stone. Yellow is the most common color of topaz. The yellow colors range from brownish yellow to pure, bright yellow to an almost orange color. Many yellow topaz stones are grown in labs, but yellow topaz also occurs naturally and is generally relatively inexpensive compared to other topaz gems.
It is said that the Roman Emperor Hadrian, whose reign was one of the most prosperous and peaceful in Roman history, and who was most ardent in spreading Christianity, even writing an address to his soul on his death-bed (which inspired Pope's poem, "The Dying Christian to his Soul"), used as a Talisman an antique ring set with a Topaz which was engraved in Roman letters with the words NATURA—DEFICIT,—FORTUNA—MUTATUR,—DEUS—OMNIA—CERNIT, an expression of faith in the Almighty to overrule Nature and Fortune most appropriate to the owner of the ring. The Romans wore the topaz as a preservative from pestilential atmosphere, also to protect its wearer against perils and dangers in travelling, injuries from burns and scalds, and to avert all complaints of the chest and bowels. During the Middle Ages the topaz was believed to dispel enchantments or spells if set in gold and bound on the left arm or hung round the neck. It preserved the wearer of topaz from sensuality, calmed anger and frenzy, strengthened the intellect, brightened the wit, gave joyousness and contentment, and drove away broodings and depression. It was also worn in the medieval era as a cure for asthma and as a specific treatment against insomnia, being sometimes powdered and taken in wine. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.
Many modern English translations of the Bible, including the King James Version mention Topaz in Exodus 28:17 in reference to a stone in the Hoshen: "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle (Garnet): this shall be the first row." The masoretic text (the Hebrew on which most modern Protestant Bible translations of the Old Testament are based) has pitdah as the gem the stone is made from; some scholars think it is related to an Assyrian word meaning 'flashed'.[citation needed] More likely, pitdah is derived from Sanskrit words (??? pit = yellow, ??? dah = burn), meaning "yellow burn" or, metaphorically, "fiery"
Topaz is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Russia. Protect topaz rings from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it near a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean this gemstone in a home ultrasonic cleaner. The best way to clean this beautiful gem is warm soapy water.
I am TOPAZ, keeper of the flame. As day dissolves into twilight, search the beaches of the Serpent Isle for the glimmer of my golden beacon. I am waiting for you. Look deeply into my eyes and I will reveal all the knowledge of the world. Hold me gently and my security will wash over your soul and cool the frenzy in your mind. Keep me in your home and I will gather up the sunlight and radiate good health to all your family. -The Vernal Spirit Journey
