In
biblical times topaz was a very highly prized gem, and in Revelations
is mentioned as forming one of the gates of the Holy City. It is also
related that the King of Tyre wore a topaz. However, the gems spoken of
under this name were probably chrysolite, while what the ancients
termed chrysolite would now be known as topaz.
A
charming legend is told of a topaz supposed to be presented by Lady
Hildegarde, wife of Theodoric of Holland, to a monastery in her native
town. It is said to have emitted at night a light so brilliant that
prayers could be read in the chapel, where it was kept, without the aid
of a light.
