Topaz
Topaz is the precious stone that corresponds to Simon, Jacob's second son. According to St. Epiphanies of Cyprus, the color of topaz, like that of sardion, is purple. When it is polished, however, it loses its original color and becomes milk- colored. Topaz particles are used to fill many vessels and it is applied for curative purposes as often as necessary. Interestingly, when polished, topaz loses neither weight nor shape. Such is Epiphanies' observation of this precious gem.
According to another definition, in ancient times when very little was known about the properties of minerals, all transparent yellow stones were termed topaz. Pliny the Elder refers to topaz as a green-colored noble stone.
Topaz is not considered a rare gem. Pink, yellow, blue and cherry-red are variations of its color. Blue-white topaz is anomalous. The thick yellow-colored topaz stones have been termed “royal" and varieties with lesser brightness - “Oriental”. It was believed in the past that this precious stone could free a person from dangerous and uncontrollable passions and relieve fits of asthma.
According to contemporary biomedical studies, energy produced by topaz protects a person from the evil eye, helps to treat various chronic deceases (the gem is soaked in water and honey solution), regulates the pulse, aids mental illnesses, strokes, stutters, rheumatism, anemia, gastrointestinal tract, insomnia and other maladies.
From Christ's 12 apostles topaz matches Apostle Andrew who is the apostle of Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21). According to Georgian apostolic chronicles, St. Andrew preached Christianity in western Georgia.