One of the earliest writers to associate with the apostles the symbolism of the gems given in Revelations is by Andreas, bishop of Caesurae. He gives a brief description of the stones, which is recounted in George F. Kunz's book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1913).
* The Topaz, which is of a ruddy color, resembling somewhat the carbuncle, denotes Matthew. *
Topaz - Generally a citrine or smoky quartz which has been heated, resulting in color from yellow to brown. Also a colorless, blue, yellow, brown, or pink aluminum silicate mineral, often found in association with granitic rocks and valued as a gemstone, especially in the brown and pink varieties. A light yellow variety of quartz.
Quartz - A very hard mineral composed of silica, SiO2, found worldwide in many different types of rocks, including sandstone and granite. Varieties of quartz include agate, chalcedony, chert, flint, opal, and rock crystal.
There was much confusion between Topaz and Chrysolite/Peridot. The Greeks and Romans referred to peridot as topazion and topazius respectively and this name was later given to topaz, to end the confusion with the two gems.
Ancient Egyptians said topaz was colored with the glow from Ra, the sun god, and they used it as a good luck charm to protect against harm, and the Romans also associated topaz with Jupiter, their god of the sun. The Greeks believed it made its wearer invisible in time of trouble, and they thought it increased strength. Topaz was believed by many to hold other magical powers, to improve eyesight, improve asthma and cure insomnia.
The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also was their god of the sun. Topaz, often blue, sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges in between. Some rare and exceptional topazes are pale pink to a sherry red.
Wear topaz only if you wish to be clear-sighted: legend has it that Topaz dispels all enchantment and helps to improve eyesight as well! Topaz was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Its mystical curative powers waxed and waned with the phases of the moon: it was said to cure insomnia, asthma, and hemorrhages. Topaz is found mostly in Brazil and Sri Lanka, with some pink topaz mined in Russia and Pakistan.