What is a blue topaz?
Blue topaz is a colored variety of the gemstone topaz. It’s mined in the USA, China and Russia, with the largest specimens found in Brazil. Topaz comes in a diverse range of colors, from charming pinks to rich browns. Each shade is dazzling in its own right, but the coveted blue topaz has proven to shine brighter than the rest and is a precious favorite of gemstone lovers. It’s important to note that topaz is rarely blue in its natural form, and most blue topaz on the market has been enhanced to bring out the brilliant blue. Blue topaz is December’s birthstone, and it’s traditionally given on 16th wedding anniversaries.
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Mineral: Topaz
Origins: USA, China, Russia, Brazil
Symbols: Strength, Power
Properties: Alleviates Anger and Sadness
Durability: 8
ENHANCEMENTS
Heated, thermal coated and/or irradiated to alter color
CARE
Basic Gemstone Care
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
What to Look for in Blue Topaz
Vibrancy of color plays the biggest role in the value of blue topaz. Clarity and a masterful cut should also be taken into consideration. This birthstone is easy to find in large sizes, so judging blue topaz by carat size (weight) alone won’t necessarily mean it’s of better quality.
COLOR
Gemstone color is perhaps the most important aspect of a gemstone. Deeply saturated blue topaz fetches a higher price tag than lighter shades. Popular color variations of blue topaz include:
London topaz: Top-shelf London topaz is a spectral dark grayish-blue, evoking images of Big Ben cloaked in morning fog
Swiss topaz: Swiss topaz is a stunning bright blue with a gorgeous luster that sets it apart from other shades of blue topaz
Sky blue topaz: This pale blue topaz captures the glow of the heavens and will delight anyone who enjoys delicate colors and cloudless skies.
CUT
Part of the beauty of these treated gemstones is their uniformity of color. Because of their consistent saturation and remarkable clarity, blue topaz gems make a stellar choice for any shape and gemstone cut, including artistic fantasy cuts. Topaz crystals form in an elongated shape and work especially well in oval, pear and emerald shapes.
CLARITY
Topaz is a Type 1 gemstone, which means the gems for sale — including the topaz we offer — are almost completely free of inclusions, or flaws, that can be seen with the naked eye. This level of gemstone clarity makes blue topaz an “eye-clean” gemstone.
SIZE (CARAT)
Unlike diamonds, which are measured by carat weight, a more accurate way to assess the size of gemstones, including blue topaz, is by its diameter in millimeters. This gives you a greater picture of what the gem will look like in its setting.
ENHANCEMENT
Naturally blue topaz with vivid saturation is an anomaly. Most topaz is found colorless or in diluted shades of yellow, pink, blue or gray. The jewels undergo a treatment of irradiation and heat to produce the beautiful colors that blue topaz is known for. These gemstone enhancements are permanent and won’t fade over time.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
Blue topaz has a Mohs hardness rating of 8, meaning it isn’t as indestructible as a diamond and may be prone to chipping or scratching. But if you wear blue topaz with care, it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Blue Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz is a reasonably priced gemstone that rivals even the most expensive sapphires and aquamarines with its scintillating shades of blue. It looks striking whether it’s a subtle Sky Blue gem set in a gold ring or a lustrous London Blue necklace decorating your décolletage.
Shop Popular Blue Topaz Jewelry
Famous Blue Topaz Gemstones
Ancient Egyptians worshipped topaz as a powerful gift from the sun god Ra. Today, blue topaz jewelry is worn to Hollywood awards ceremonies by the likes of Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Cate Blanchett.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEMSTONES
Blue Topaz is just one of the many colorful gemstones we offer. Learn what gemstones say about you, or find another gemstone that suits you — whether it’s your birthstone, a gem in your favorite color, or a gemstone that holds special meaning for you or someone who’s special to you.
