and
wisdom ; besides driving away evil spirits." When clear, and without
flaws, Zircon is one of the Precious Stones. Specimens thereof from
Renfrew in Canada are remarkably fine ; the colourless varieties are
termed Jargoon. Zircon is the densest of the Precious Stones. It is
found in the two Precious Stones, Jargoon, and Hyacinth.
The
Hyacinth is indebted for its name to a supposed resemblance in colour
to that flower, which Apollo is fabled to have raised from the blood of
his favourite youth, Hyacinthus.
THE TOPAZ.
The true
Topaz (which differs from the Oriental Topaz,—really a Sapphire,—and
from a Quartz Topaz) has its own peculiar and special attributes ;
being now known as the Chrysolite, or Peridot. It possesses a gift of
inner radiance which can dispel darkness, just as the Carbuncle does.
Formerly it was eagerly looked for by mariners when they had no
daylight, or moon, to direct their course. Its name Chrysolite is
derived from the Greek words, kreusos—gold ; and lithos—a
stone. Set in gold, and worn round the neck, or left arm, the Topaz was
formerly believed to exercise a charm against all sorcery, and magic ;
it also had the power of dispelling night terrors, curing cowardice,
calming anger, and madness ;. whilst being able to brighten the wit.
This Stone was thought to give notice of poison by losing its colour.
Its chemical composition is thirty-four of Silica ; fifty-seven of
Alumina ; and seven of Fluoric acid, (fractions not being counted). The
rose-red, and the pure white Topazes are those most esteemed. Brewster
found—under microscopical inspection— fluid
