topaz

Everyday

1. Topaz is a hard, clear gemstone, often golden-yellow, brown, blue or pink, used in jewellery. tree →
2. A topaz is one jewel made of this stone. tree →
3. Topaz is also a golden-yellow colour. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on rocks and minerals, topaz is number 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness (diamond is 10). In jewellery and stories, it is a precious birthstone (November). It appears in the Bible as one of the stones on the high priest's breastplate and in the walls of the heavenly city in Revelation. Phrases: «a topaz ring», «blue topaz».

Examples

• Mum's ring has a golden topaz in it. tree →
• Topaz is harder than quartz. tree →
• Topaz is the birthstone for November. tree →
• The museum showed a huge blue topaz. tree →
• On the Mohs scale, topaz scores 8. tree →
• The cat's eyes were the colour of topaz. tree →

Note

Plural «topazes». Pronounced «TOH-paz». On the Mohs hardness scale (1–10), a mineral scratches any mineral with a lower number.

In Jewish tradition

One of the twelve precious stones on the High Priest's breastplate, each standing for a tribe.

Interpretation. Tradition links each gem to one of the tribes, so the priest carried Israel over his heart.

Examples

• The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. (Writings JOB.28.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they set in it four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd was the first row. (Torah EXO.39.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd shall be the first row; (Torah EXO.28.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural «topazes». Pronounced «TOH-paz». On the Mohs hardness scale (1–10), a mineral scratches any mineral with a lower number.