|
The origin of topaz in the ancient world was a small island in the Red Sea known as Topazion, a Greek term meaning "to guess". The island was typically obscured by fog, making it difficult for early navigators to find. Typically yellow, topaz in the ancient world was held as a talisman to protect against evil and was used to treat many different ailments including asthma. The ancient Greeks believed topaz would give great strength to whomsoever wore the stone, and was also worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, In ancient Egypt the golden glow of yellow topaz symbolized "Ra", their sun god.
|
There are also many references to "topaz" in ancient texts, including numerous references in the Bible. It is believed that the topaz of modern mineralogists was unknown to the ancients. Rather, that the stone called topazios was the mineral chrysolite or peridot. Likewise, the "topaz" referred to in the Old Testament was most likely chrysolite. Topaz is found in yellow, orange, green, blue, red, and white (colorless) hues. Topaz is one of the hardest minerals in nature, and for that reason, highly valued as a gemstone.
|
|
|