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Topaz is a lustrous gem that is one of the hardest
minerals known to Elanthian races. It forms naturally in beautiful,
elegantly symmetrical crystals of a number of different hues. It
occurs naturally in many colors, including pink, blue, green,
orange, brown, and the classical gold. Topaz
mines exist all over Elanthia, but some kinds can only be located in
specific places; for example, green errisian topaz and orange
imperial topaz are found only on the east side of the DragonSpine.
Of any gem, topaz is the most useful channel for
working with elemental earth energies. Clerics report that it is
particularly useful as well in spiritual magics related to invoking
the blessings of various spirits or to religious lore.
In human lands, topaz is associated with the
Arkati Koar, King of the Gods, to such a great degree that it is
sometimes called "kingsjewel." According to legend, when sitting in
his throne and ruling over the Arkati, Koar bears a rod called the
Scepter of Liabo, one of Eonak’s greatest creations, and the Scepter
of Liabo is capped with a perfect topaz. Stories of the Scepter’s
origins vary, but the two most common tales state that it was
crafted by Eonak or that it was a gift from one of the drakes. (The
Church of Koar favors the first version.) Stories of the Scepter’s
powers also vary widely from region to region, but it is generally
agreed that any mortal who gazes upon the Scepter will be stricken
blind, and none of the Arkati may deny Koar’s direct command while
he wields the Scepter.
When Paltrach, Patriarch of Koar in 4721, finally
announced his support of Lady Lyssandra Anodheles's claim to the
Turamzzyrian throne, he presented her with a magnificent scepter of
white and yellow gold that cradled an egg-sized golden topaz at its
tip. This scepter is known as Koar's Word, and it represents the
trust of the Church of Koar. Since that day, with rare exception,
whenever a new Emperor or Empress is crowned in the Turamzzyrian
Empire, the Patriarch of Koar has presented Koar's Word to the new
ruler in a formal ceremony. One of the more noteworthy exceptions
came in 4799, when Patriarch Gravinnel Sarnis refused to grant
Koar's Word to Ommindar the Stout and attempted to declare himself
Emperor in Ommindar's place. At the end of the conflict, Patriarch
Gravinnel resigned from his position in favor of Patriarch Anistarn
Folar, and Patriarch Anistarn presented Koar's Word to Emperor
Ommindar.
It is of some interest that the Ardenai, who
actively dislike Koar, use the gem most associated with Koar as
their heraldic jewel. As well as granting the right for a topaz to
be displayed in a traditional elven crest, Ardenai monarchs
sometimes present oak leaf pendants carved from solid topaz to those
elves who please them particularly well. The coincidence of topaz
has caused no little confusion in encounters between humans and
Ardenai elves, and, while it tends to make humans more trusting,
uninformed Ardenai are often quite offended when they realize that
they have been mistaken for worshippers of Koar!
Topaz comes in many colors such as blue, yellow, pink, brown, green
and clear, but yellow is the color most often associated with this
gem. Orange-red "Imperial" topaz is rare. All yellow stones
were once called topaz.
One of the general qualities of all topaz is the ability to help to
balance energy so that one is neither stressed nor depressed. In
meditating with topaz regularly it's possible to feel both calm and
energized. Golden topaz heightens this quality because of its radiant color.
More than any of the golden stones, it seems to have captured the
fiery warmth of the sun.
Perhaps the most famous topaz is the clear, large specimen set in
the Portuguese Crown, once mistaken for a diamond.
The Egyptians believed that topaz was
colored with the golden glow of the sun god Ra. The Romans
associated topaz with Jupiter, who is also the god of the sun. The
ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to increase strength
and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. In addition,
it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma,
relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death.
It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest
range of curative powers. When worn as amulet, topaz was said to
drive away sadness and strengthen the intellect. Mounted in gold
and hung around the neck, it was believed to dispel bad charms.
Reduced to powder and put in wine, topaz was a cure for insomnia,
asthma, burns, and hemorrhage. It proved the loyalty of associates
by changing color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. All
these mystical powers were believed to increase and decrease with
the phases of the moon.
In the 19th century, pink topaz was discovered in Russia. The
gemstone was so coveted that only the Czar, his family, and those he
gave it to were allowed ownership.
Topaz is the birthstone for
the month of November. It is the anniversary gemstone for the
4th and 19th year of marriage. Imperial topaz is the anniversary
gemstone for the 23rd year of marriage. |
