Bible Dictionary
Topaz
Topaz was a precious stone used in the high priest’s breastplate and included among the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The biblical stone may correspond to what is now called chrysolite rather than modern topaz.
Definition
Topaz was a precious yellow or green stone, probably corresponding to what modern writers call chrysolite. The ancient names for topaz and chrysolite were not used consistently with modern mineral names.
Biblical Usage
Topaz was the second stone in the first row of the high priest’s breastplate, bearing Simeon’s name. It is also named among the foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The stone was associated with Cush or Ethiopia. The ancient topaz was commonly identified with modern chrysolite, a pale- to bottle-green stone that could lose its polish.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. pitdah (Ezek. 28:13; Rev. 21:20), a golden yellow or “green” stone brought from Cush or Ethiopia (Job 28:19). It was the second stone in the first row in the breastplate of the high priest, and had the name of Simeon inscribed on it (Ex. 28:17). It is probably the chrysolite of the moderns.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
one of the gems used in the high priest’s breastplate, (Exodus 28:17; 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13) one of the foundations also of the New Jerusalem, in St. John’s description of the city. (Revelation 21:20) The topaz of the ancient Greeks and Romans is generally allowed to be our chrysolite, while their chrysolite is our topaz. Chrysolite is a silicate of magnesia and iron; it is so son as to lose its polish unless carefully used. It varies in color from a pale-green to a bottle-green. It is supposed that its name was derived from Topazos, an island in the Red Sea where these stones were procured.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>to'-paz.</p><p>See STONES, PRECIOUS.</p>