Folio 99r - beryl, continued. Nonum topazius; The ninth, topaz
it expects its reward. In this context, the psalm: 'Thou shall eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee' (Psalms, 128:2). Gregory: 'It will be bad for those who eat their labours here, like hypocrites.'
Verse
Its hexagonal form causes beryl to shine brightly; otherwise it seems to have a faint pallor.
The ninth, topaz
The ninth foundation is topaz; this stone, although it is multi-coloured, has two colours especially, gold and a clear colour, as the Glossator of Exodus, 34, says: And it is touched by the splendour of the sun. It exceeds all other gemstones in clearness; its appearance is singularly pleasing to those who look at it; if it were polished, it would be dulled; left to its own nature, it is clearer; it is the largest of stones; and it is cherished by kings.
Topaz signifies contemplation. The love with which contemplation burns, colours it gold; the understanding which illuminates contemplation, gives it its clear colour. In contemplation the Lord is seen more clearly; and men are more especially drawn to his love when they are open to it. Their nature is such that, if they are embellished by the honours of this world, they see less clearly, because, like Martha, they have many distractions. This stone shines with every colour, because contemplation shines with the splendour of every virtue. It is the biggest of stones, because contemplation expands the heart greatly, and those who are truly kings think nothing of the flesh. It is placed in the ninth position, because contemplation aligns contemplative men with the nine orders of angels.
Verse
Topaz comes from the island of the same name. It is all the more precious as it is rare. The land of the Arabs, rich in stones, produces it.