Topaz is said to have various magical powers, including the ability to render men handsome and women happy and fertile. The name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning heart of fire. According to Pliny, the gem was named for the island of Topazus in the Red Sea, where the stones were first found. Topaz is very hard, being 8 on the Mohs scale, with a high cleavage. It comes in many colours, including brown, green. blue, yellow, red, pink and orange.
