Emerald

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 origin of which appears to be the Sanskrit word Peet (meaning yellow). In the Greek language, it is called Topazion, the source of which is the word Tipdah, a corrupted form of Pitdah. Its English name, Topaz, is derived from an island (located in the Red Sea) where it was originally mined. This island is situated in the Red Sea, and because it was always shrouded in mist and fog, it was named Topazos, which meant to search, and from this the word Topaz originated. Several arguments prove that this gemstone was in use in ancient times. Accordingly, Boetius writes that this gemstone is of a greenish-yellow color, and several magical properties, auspiciousness, and blessings were attributed to it. Greek physicians write that topaz dispels sorrow and anger; tying it to the arm wards off the effects of black magic, and it protects against debauchery. Experts describe two varieties of it: first Eastern, second Western. The topaz that is composed solely of alumina is Eastern, while the varieties that consist of 57 parts alumina with the remainder being silica and fluorine are called Western. Sanskrit books describe four castes of it: white topaz is Brahmin, reddish is Kshatriya, yellow is Vaishya, and blackish is Shudra. The ancients used to call it Chrysolite. One variety of topaz is named Pycnite, which is found in Altenberg. There is another variety called Physalite or Pyrophysalite. It is opaque and swells upon heating.

Common name: Neelam. Persian: Neelam. Arabic: Yaqoot-e-Kabood. Hindi: Neelmani. Nature: It is a famous, high-grade mineral stone from which gems and ring-stones are crafted. Temperament: Warm in the first degree and dry in the third. Color and odor: Blue, clear, transparent, lustrous. Taste: Flat, with no dominant flavor. Harmful effects: Harmful to warm temperaments. Corrective: White sapphire and cooling agents. Substitute: Red or yellow sapphire. Planetary association: Attributed to Saturn. Specific benefit: Exhilarating and strengthens the heart and brain. Optimal dose: Up to three and a half rattis. Sub-optimal dose: One to two rattis. Actions and properties: It is exhilarating, gives strength to the heart and brain, and administering one dharmi dissolved in water is useful for epilepsy, obsessive whisperings, palpitations, plague, hemorrhage, poison neutralization, and foul atmospheric changes; it purifies the blood and protects innate heat and vital faculties; keeping it in the mouth eliminates bad breath, quenches thirst, strengthens the heart, and exhilarates; its collyrium strengthens vision and protects the eyes. (Makhzan) Sapphire, which is called Nila in Sanskrit, Sapphire in English, and Yaqoot-e-Azraq in Persian and Arabic, is an extremely fine bluish gemstone. Its radiance, brilliance, and sky-blue color are very pleasing to the heart. This gemstone has been renowned since ancient times and is mentioned in the old books of the Hindus and the followers of Islam. No other gemstone was believed to possess magical properties equal to this gem. The Greeks offered it to Apollo (the name of a Greek deity). Due to its pleasant color, brilliance, and luster, the gemstone is widely popular for personal adornment. Because the ancients considered it very difficult to cut such a hard gemstone, it was used very little in jewelry. Five varieties of sapphire are described, and various benefits of wearing it are recorded: (1) Godatu: That which is small in volume and heavy in weight; wearing it fulfills the heart's desires. (2) Sangrat: That which always remains radiant; wearing it increases wealth and love. (3) Durnari: That from which blue rays emanate when held before the sun; wearing it brings wealth and grain. (4) Parshwat: That from which golden, silvery, and crystalline reflections shine; wearing it brings fame. (5) Ranjketu: That which, when placed in a vessel, makes the vessel appear blue due to its radiance; wearing it brings prosperity to one's offspring. There is a sapphire called Mahanila which, if placed in milk measuring a hundred times its quantity, makes the milk appear blue due to its luster. There is another sapphire named Indranila. In addition to these, several flawed and inauspicious sapphires are described in Sanskrit books, the wearing of which is believed to bring various harms and losses; they are six: (1) Abraq: One that has a cloud-like sheen on its upper part; it destroys life and wealth. (2) Tarash: One that bears the mark of a fracture; there is fear of harm from animals such as bears. (3) Chitrak: One that has a color different from the aforementioned colors; wearing it is believed to cause the destruction of one's community. (4) Mrit-griha: One that has a dusty or muddy color; it gives rise to many illnesses. (5) Ashm-griha: One in which a stone-like piece appears; wearing it brings the dread of death. (6) Rokhi: One that has spots like white porcelain; wearing it brings the fear of exile from one's homeland. Present-day jewelers describe two varieties of sapphire: first Old, second New; and they state three types for each: (1) Sabzeen Neela, or bluish with a green tint. (2) Lal-pan Neela. (3) Khoob Neela, meaning deep bluish. The people of Persia describe sapphire as a variety of ruby/corundum and for this reason call it Yaqoot-e-Azraq, but in reality it is a gemstone distinct from ruby.