topaz

Etymology

From Old French topace (compare French topaze), from the Ancient Greek proper noun Τοπάζιος (Topázios), ancient name of St. John's Island, Egypt, in the Red Sea, believed to be the first discovered source of the mineral τοπάζιον (topázion, “peridot”).

noun

1. A silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine, usually tinted by impurities.
2. An often clear, yellowish-brown gemstone cut from this.
   Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade. 2012-03, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 2012-06-14, page 128
3. A yellowish-brown color, like that of the gemstone.
   topaz:
4. (heraldry) Or (gold or yellow), in blazoning by precious stones.
   Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; and the Field Topaz, and Saltier, and Chief Ruby, was the Arms of King Robert the Bruce, they altering the Field from Pearl (as he bore it) to Topaz. / Eglington. Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Saphyr three Flower-de-Liss Topaz, for Montgomery; 2d and 3d, Ruby three Anulets Topaz', ston'd Saphyr, for the Title of Eglington; … 1720, Francis Nichols, Rudiments of Honour, page 296
   The Field is Ruby, on a Bend Topaz, three Martlets Diamond. … 4. Pearl, on a Bend Diamond, nine Annulets conjoined in three Links Topaz. 1726, John Guillim, The Banner Display'd; Or, an Abridgment of Guillim, page 504
   (1) Pearl, a Cross, Ruby, with the Effigies of our Saviour thereon, Topaz, born in Memory of one of the Family's fighting against the Turks. (2) Topaz, a Chief Indented, Saphire. (3) Ruby, three covered Cups, Topaz … 1754, John Lodge, The Peerage of Ireland; Or, a Genealogical History of the ..., page 71
5. (historical, British India) A black Catholic soldier in the British Army.
6. Either of two species of very large hummingbirds in the genus Topaza.
7. A ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus, the male of which has bright ruby feathers on the head and topaz on the throat

adj

1. Of a yellowish-brown color, like that of the gemstone.