Editing Topaz (section)

==History==
Nicols, the author of one of the first systematic treatises on minerals and gemstones, dedicated two chapters to the topic in 1652.<ref>''A Lapidary or History of Gemstones'', University of Cambridge, 1652.</ref> In the [[Middle Ages]], the name topaz was used to refer to any yellow gemstone, but in modern times it denotes only the silicate described above.

Many English translations of the [[Bible]], including the [[King James Version]], mention topaz. However, because these translations as ''topaz'' all derive from the [[Septuagint]] translation ''topazi[os]'', which referred to a yellow stone that was not topaz, but probably ''chrysolite'' ([[chrysoberyl]] or [[peridot]]), topaz is likely not meant here.<ref>Farrington, Oliver (1903) [http://www.farlang.com/gemstones/farrington-gems-and-gem-minerals/page_136 ''Gems and Gem Minerals'']. Chicago. p. 119.</ref>

An English superstition also held that topaz cured [[lunatic|lunacy]].<ref>Pettigrew, Thomas Joseph (1844) [https://archive.org/details/onsuperstitionsc00pettuoft ''On Superstitions Connected with the History and Practice of Medicine and Surgery'']. Philadelphia E. Barrington and G.D. Haswell. p. 70.</ref> The ancient Romans believed that topaz provided protection from danger while traveling.<ref name="webster-1021">{{cite book |last1=Webster |first1=R. |year=2012 |title=The encyclopedia of superstitions |publisher=Llewellyn Worldwide |isbn=9780738725611 |page=256}}</ref> During the Middle Ages, it was believed that attaching the topaz to the left arm protected the owner from any curse and warded off the [[evil eye]]. It was also believed that wearing topaz increased body heat, which would enable people to relieve a cold or fever.{{sfn|Webster|2012|p=260}} In Europe during the Middle Ages, topaz was believed to enhance mental powers.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Simmons |first1=Robert |title=The book of stones : who they are & what they teach |date=2005 |publisher=Heaven and Earth Pub |location=East Montpelier, VT |isbn=978-0962191039 |page=403}}</ref> In India, people believed topaz granted beauty, intelligence, and longevity when worn over the heart.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=November Birthstone |url=https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/november-birthstones#:~:text=This%20November%20birthstone%20was%20long,magic%20spells%20and%20dispel%20anger. |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Gemological Institute of America}}</ref>