dollar;
one of one carat is disposed of at an average rate, for eight dollars;
a yellow one for three dollars; and a yellow burnt one for five
dollars. In Brazil, very large, fine, and lustrous ones, bring thirty
dollars. "
The
Saxonian topazes are less valued, yet good yellow or crimson colored
ones, nine lines long and seven broad, bring four hundred and twenty
francs.
Aquamarine
and chrysolite are sometimes substituted for topaz; but it may easily
be distinguished from them, not only by its hardness, fracture, and
specific gravity, but more especially by its property of becoming
electric by rubbing. This will prevent, the substitution of either of
the above, or those most resembling them; such as the yellow quartz,
chalcedony, or other yellow-colored stones.
According
to the account of Tavernier, the Grand Mogul possessed an octangular
polished topaz of one hundred and fifty-seven and three quarters carats
weight, which has been purchased for sixty thousand dollars.
31.
d'Eshwege notices-a topaz crystal ten inches in length and four inches
in diameter. The United States (ConnectÂicut) yield topazes of an
opaque color, pale, dark orange, and yellow, twelve inches in length.
One of the finest Brazilian topazes I have seen is in the rare
collection of Robert Gilmore, Esq., of three inches length, and
perfectly terminated. The Brazilian topaz on the frontispiece was
exhibited in the London Palace by Mr. Tennant. Some very splendid cut
Oriental topazes I saw at "Mr. Stephen H. Palmer's; they were of
wine-yellow color and good size.
In
the French Imperial Bibliotbeque there are several engraved
topazes—Philip II. and Don Carlos in white topaz, and engraved by
Jacques de Trezzo; and in a very large and deep yellow topaz, an Indian
Bacchus, in the Yatican. The House of Orleans had a Mercury seen in
profile, on an Oriental topaz, with eight facets.
