Topaz

Description

Topaz, which is called Yaqoot-e-Arzaq in Persian and Pushp Raag in Hindi, is a fine, ancient yellow gemstone. In the Hebrew language, it is called Pitdah, whose root appears to be the Sanskrit word Peet (meaning yellow). In the Greek language, it is called Topasitun (Topazion), the origin of which is the word Tipdah, which is a corrupted form of Pitdah. Its English name, Topaz, is derived from an island (located in the Red Sea) from where it was initially extracted. This island is in the Red Sea, and because it is always surrounded by fog and mist, it was named Topaz, meaning "to seek" (having to search for it), and from this, the word Topaz emerged. Several arguments prove that this gemstone was prevalent in ancient times. Consequently, Boetus writes that this gemstone is of a greenish-yellow color, and many of its properties were considered magical blessings and auspicious. Greek philosophers write that "Topaz removes grief and anger. Tying it on the arm neutralizes the effects of magic. It protects against debauchery." Experts describe two of its types: first, Eastern, and second, Western. The Topaz that consists solely of an alumina compound is Eastern, and the types in which 57 parts are alumina and the rest are a compound of silica and fluorine are called Western. In Sanskrit books, four of its castes are described: white Topaz is Brahmin, reddish is Kshatriya, yellow-colored is Vaishya, and blackish is Shudra. The ancients used to call it Chrysolite. A type of Topaz is named Pysnite (Pycnite), which is found in Altenberg. There is another type which is called Physolite (Physalite) or Phrphyslite (Pyrophysalite). It is dark (opaque) and swells with heat.