Topaz

Topaz was a precious stone that occurred in granite deposits, sometimes yielding large, gem-quality crystals.

Description
Topaz was a very hard, clear gemstone that was usually golden yellow but could be found in shades from yellow to brown. Topaz turned pink or light blue if subjected to high temperatures. A typical specimen had a base value of 500 gp. These crystals were known to reach impressive sizes, some gems could reach up to several hundred pounds.

Topaz stones were considered sacred by followers of Deneir, Horus-Re, and Gaerdal Ironhand&mdash;appropriate for sacrifice, or to be consecrated for use, or recognized as boons or omens when found. The blue variety of topaz was sacred to followers of Eldath.

The bigger-sized gems were a customary gifts on state occasions. For such events, topazes were worked by only the most skilled master gemcutters.

Powers
Topaz was often used to create items that conferred protection from magical effects because this stone protected the item itself from trauma due to force, acid, fire, petrification, and disintegration. It was the preferred component when making a gem of brightness because topaz took on the hardness of mithral when so enchanted.

Topaz gems naturally stored healing magic. By casting a healing spell on this gemstone, the topaz could be placed into an open wound where it would release its stored magic and dissipate completely, or it could be powdered and mixed with milk or wine in a mithral vessel (any other substance leeched the magic out of the mixture before it could be consumed). A topaz healing draught tasted cold and sour.

Topaz was sometimes called the jewel of light because it could extend the duration of faerie fire spells cast upon it for a few days to nearly a month.

This versatile gem was also used in the explosive druid spell Sol's searing orb.

Appearances

 * Video Games
 * Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor &bull; Neverwinter Nights series