been
found at Stoneham, in Maine. It is notable that Topaz is not uncommonly
found in connection with ores of tin in all parts of the world.
The
Topaz is one of the few Semi-Precious Stones found in the British
Isles. It occurs at St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall ; in the Mourne
Mountains, Co. Down ; and in several Scotch districts.
Several
engraved Topazes are known ; that in the Bibliothèque Royale, in Paris,
is set as a signet ring, having the portraits of Philip II. and Don
Carlos deeply cut in it. There is also a citron-yellow Topaz,
representing an Indian Bacchus. The antique Topaz in St' Petersburg,
engraved with the representation of Sirius, is of excellent workmanship.
The Goutte d'Eau, which
is capable of exquisite polish, is a colourless Topaz. If cut as a
Brilliant, with a small table, the pure gem forms a beautiful ornament
; and some specimens found in New South Wales and in Brazil, are worthy
of careful cutting, polishing, and setting.
The
chemical composition of the Topaz, in addition to its obvious
characteristics, confirms its title to a high rank among ornamental
minerals.
TOPAZ.
