Agate / Onyx / Sulemani Stone

Topaz, which is called Yaqoot-e-Azraq in Persian and Pushparag in Hindi, is a fine, yellow-colored ancient gemstone. In the Hebrew language, it is called Pitdah, the root of which appears to be the Sanskrit word Pita (meaning yellow). In the Greek language, it is called Topazion (Topasitum), the origin of which is the word Tipdah, a corrupted form of Pitdah. Its English name, Topaz, is named after an island (located in the Red Sea) where it was originally extracted. This island is in the Red Sea, and because it was always surrounded by fog and mist, it was named Topazos, meaning "to seek," and from this derived the word Topaz. Many arguments prove that this gemstone was in use in ancient times. Thus, Boethius writes that this gemstone is greenish-yellow in color, and it was believed to possess magical properties of fortune and blessings. Greek physicians write, "Topaz dispels grief and anger. Tying it on the arm protects against the effects of magic, and it provides protection from debauchery." Experts describe two types of it: the first Oriental, and the second Occidental. The topaz which is composed purely of alumina is called Oriental, while the varieties that contain 57 parts alumina and the rest a compound of silica and fluorine are called Occidental. In Sanskrit texts, four castes (classes) of it have been described: white topaz (Brahmin), reddish (Kshatriya), yellow-colored (Vaishya), and blackish (Shudra). The ancients called it Chrysolite. A variety of topaz named Pycnite is found in Altenberg. There is another variety called Physalite or Pyrophysalite. It is dark/opaque and swells upon heating.

This gemstone is very precious and ancient. Ancient scholars and physicians have recorded their own accounts regarding it. Thus, Nicols writes, "The luster and brilliance of this gemstone is like that of a carbuncle, its fine saffron color resembles amethyst, and in yellow tones, it resembles emerald." Boetius writes that this gemstone surpasses all other gems in its pleasing coloration. Pliny states, "This gemstone is superior to all gems in splendor and majesty," and so forth. In ancient times, this gemstone was regarded as a source of honor and prestige. Up until the Middle Ages, people held similar beliefs regarding it. Prior to the beginning of the seventeenth century, this gemstone was held in great esteem. The notion of its magical properties was instilled in people's minds by Sir Walter Scott. There are several varieties of this gemstone. A few of them are mentioned below: (1) Black Opal: This variety is more precious than other kinds of opals. Its color is exceptionally fine. Baron Goldschmidt, owner of Hungarian mines, sent several gems of this kind from his mines, the value of which could only be appraised by connoisseurs. A specimen of this variety, the size of a hen's egg, was sold at a very high price. This variety is now very rare; some researchers are of the opinion that, from a chemical standpoint, the formation of this variety is not sound. (2) Precious / Noble Opal (3) Fire Opal: Bright red flashes emanate from within it. It is found in Hungary and Cornwall. (4) Common Opal or Semi-Opal: It has a fine milky color. It can be scratched by glass. (5) Hydrophane: Dark/cloudy yet pleasing in color. (6) Cacholong: Since it is obtained from the Cache River located in Bukhara (described as 12° North-West), it is called Cacholong. It resembles chalcedony. (7) Hyalite, or Muller's Glass (i.e., lapidary's glass), or Fiorite: Vitreous luster, transparent. (8) Menilite: It is named after Mount Menil, where it is found. Color: brown. (9) Wood Opal: That is, petrified wood opal; its color is grayish-earthy, brownish-black, and it has a woody structure. It has taken on a wood-like form originally due to hydrated silica. (10) Opal Jasper: It resembles jasper. (11) Siliceous Sinter: Found in the vicinity of volcanoes and hot springs. (12) Matrix Opal: The raw mineral form of opal along with the host rock from which it is extracted. Properties and Nature The form of opal is amorphous. Hardness: 5.5 to 6. Luster: vitreous, pearly, and greasy. Color: white, yellow, brown, green, and grayish-earthy. The exact cause of its iridescent display of colors has not been conclusively determined. Experts are of the view that it is caused by internal fissures filled with air. Specific gravity: 1.9 to 2.2 (or 1 to 2.1). This gemstone contains several microscopic cavities filled with a kind of liquid moisture; its specific gravity is influenced by them. It is semi-transparent to translucent. It is composed of 90 parts silica and 10 parts water. It does not melt even with the help of a blowpipe. If subjected to intense heat, it turns dark/opaque due to the loss of water. The varieties containing trace amounts of iron turn red when heated. Generally, mild heat brightens its color. Determination of Value The value of this gemstone depends on its coloration. Hungarian opal commands the highest price among all varieties. In ancient times, its price was equal to that of diamond. The Romans were particularly fond of it. Very large gems, being rare, are extremely valuable. Its price is also influenced by prevailing fashion and trends.