Topaz

Heb. pitdah (Ezek. 28:13; Rev. 21:20), a golden yellow or “green” stone brought from Cush or Ethiopia (Job 28:19). It was the second stone in the first row in the breastplate of the high priest, and had the name of Simeon inscribed on it (Ex. 28:17). It is probably the chrysolite of the moderns.

one of the gems used in the high priest’s breastplate, (Exodus 28:17; 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13) one of the foundations also of the New Jerusalem, in St. John’s description of the city. (Revelation 21:20) The topaz of the ancient Greeks and Romans is generally allowed to be our chrysolite, while their chrysolite is our topaz. Chrysolite is a silicate of magnesia and iron; it is so son as to lose its polish unless carefully used. It varies in color from a pale-green to a bottle-green. It is supposed that its name was derived from Topazos, an island in the Red Sea where these stones were procured.

TO'PAZ. Eze 28:13; Rev 21:20. It seems quite agreed that this was the modern chrysolite, a rather soft and transparent or translucent gem, usually of a pale green. It is also called peridot and olivine. The true topaz is ordinarily- pellucid and of a yellowish tint, but sometimes of a brown, blue, or green hue, or even colorless. A single gem of this kind has been sold (it is said) for upwards of $1,000,000. The finest specimens are found in the East Indies. The "topaz of Ethiopia," Job 28:19, or Southern Arabia (see Ethiopia), was probably distinguished for its beauty and value. That the most precious stones were once found there profane history asserts.

TO'PAZ. Eze 28:13; Rev 21:20. It seems quite agreed that this was the modern chrysolite, a rather soft and transparent or translucent gem, usually of a pale green. It is also called peridot and olivine. The true topaz is ordinarily- pellucid and of a yellowish tint, but sometimes of a brown, blue, or green hue, or even colorless. A single gem of this kind has been sold (it is said) for upwards of $1,000,000. The finest specimens are found in the East Indies. The "topaz of Ethiopia," Job 28:19, or Southern Arabia (see Ethiopia), was probably distinguished for its beauty and value. That the most precious stones were once found there profane history asserts.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A mineral occurring in rhombic prisms, generally yellowish and pellucid, also colorless, and of greenesh, bluish, or brownish shades. It sometimes occurs massive and opaque. It is a fluosilicate of alumina, and is used as a gem.

2. Either one of two species of large, brilliantly colored humming birds of the Topaza, of South America and the West Indies.