A pear shaped london blue topaz gemstone featured in a silver pendant

Blue Topaz Guide

There is perhaps no gemstone more worthy of our times than blue topaz. Blue topaz celebrates the intellect, alleviates anger and sadness and provides light in places of darkness. It’s the gemstone of abundance and good health, and it looks just as good with a ball gown as it does business attire.

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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.

Blue topaz gemstones in oval and emerald cuts featured in a pair of earrings

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

Aquamarine

Sapphire

Tanzanite

A blue topaz gemstone in unpolished crystal form

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.

LEARN ABOUT COLOR

An Illustration of 3 differently colored gemstones from the side

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.

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An Illustration of a well-cut gemstone from the side

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.

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An Illustration of a gemstone with very few inclusions from the side

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.

LEARN ABOUT SIZE

An illustration of a gemstone from the side with a ruler over the gem's table

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.

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An illustration of a gemstone being treated with oiling enhancement method

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.

The Moh's hardness scale showing opal at 5, emerald at 7.5, topaz at 8, ruby at 9, and diamond at 10

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

Riviera Pavé Blue Topaz Ring

London Blue Topaz Elegant Halo Pendant

London Blue Topaz Cushion Earrings

Trio Oval Blue Topaz Bracelet

London Blue Topaz Elegant Halo Drop Earrings

Blue Topaz Heart Pendant

Swiss Blue Topaz Cushion Earrings

Sky Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz And White Sapphire Tower Pendant

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.

How to Care for Your Blue Topaz Jewelry

It’s easy to keep your blue topaz jewelry sparkling for generations. Soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and give the stone a gentle scrub. For more information, read our guide on caring for your gemstone jewelry.

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.