Topaz
(13th century)
A usually yellow to brownish-yellow transparent gemstone. The stones of this most typical colour of topaz are sometimes referred to as "golden topaz" or "sherry topaz", but other colours such as pink or "imperial topaz", blue and colourless are fairly common.
In earlier times the name topaz mainly referred to a gemstone now called olivine extracted on an island then known as Topazos or St. John in the Red Sea. It was probably also given to other yellow stones which were indistinguishable from one another without adequate knowledge of chemistry and mineralogy. Topaz is said to have been one of the stones used in the breastplate of the ancient high priest and was the ninth foundation stone in the wall of the new Jerusalem. Topaz is considered quite precious by the African bushmen, being used in ceremonies tbr healing and for connecting with spirits. The stone is believed to bring health and wealth and to protect the holder against danger. In healing it is said to "activate" the lungs,preventing colds and tuberculosis, to improve eyesight and to relieve stress. Some say that if you put a topaz under your pillow at night it will soothe the nerves and energise the body during sleep. Topaz is the birthstone for November, symbolising fidelity, and the zodiac gem for Sagittarius (22 November to 21 December).