Are you looking to buy blue topaz jewelry? Does it look just as stunning in real life as in Instagram posts?
From engagement rings to personalized necklaces, blue topaz is gaining widespread attention. But what exactly makes blue topaz so special? Why is it so popular? Is it worth investing in?
Today, let’s dive into everything you need to know about blue topaz – what it is, how it forms, the different types, its meanings, its price, etc.
By the end, you’ll know if blue topaz deserves a place in your collection.
Let’s get started.
What is Blue Topaz?
Blue topaz is an extremely rare type of topaz. Natural blue topaz has a light icy blue color – so subtle that you might not even notice it’s blue at first glance.
It is one of the most affordable blue gemstones you can buy, with high clarity, brilliance, and durability. For those looking for something stylish without breaking the bank, it’s a top choice.
How is Blue Topaz Formed?
Topaz usually forms in fluoride-rich magmatic environments (such as granite or pegmatite) and under favorable hydrothermal conditions (such as volcanic activity or crustal movements that produce high temperature and pressure water flows). Natural blue topaz is formed in the same way, and its pale icy blue color is due to trace elements within the crystal and natural exposure to irradiation.
Natural blue topaz is pale icy blue? So where do all the vibrant blue topazes on the market come from?
Well, things are starting to get interesting.
Natural blue topaz is extremely pale and extremely rare. Most blue topazs start as colorless or pale topazes, created by artificial irradiation and heat treatment. This is a scientific treatment and the results are stable and long-lasting. The process is as follows:
- Irradiation – gives the topaz a blue hue.
- Heat treatment – fixes the color and ensures its permanence.
“Irradiation”! Is it safe? You may be concerned about safety when you hear the word, but rest assured, this treatment is very safe! Iradiation-treated blue topaz is tested before it reaches the market to ensure that there is no residual radiation. Only gemstones that pass the test are allowed to be sold. (The gem irradiation treatment process is by international standards and is strictly regulated by industry guidelines and laws.)
If you’re wondering if this affects the “value” of the gemstone, don’t worry. The treated topaz often becomes even more attractive.
Is Blue Topaz a “Fake” Gemstone?
No. First, blue topaz is real in nature. Second, blue topaz obtained by treating light-colored/colorless topaz is also a real blue topaz, and these treatments only change its color and are not manufactured. So, blue topaz is real.
These treatments are common in the gem world. They don’t make the gemstone “fake”, just make it even more stunning.
If you ask the question differently: Is blue topaz natural?
The short answer: a little.
Long answer: most blue topaz on the market gets its color from irradiation and heat treatment.
Natural blue topaz does exist just extremely rare.
Types of Blue Topaz
Blue topaz mainly comes in three colors:
- Sky Blue Topaz: light blue, airy, like a summer sky. It’s a soft, subtle hue that’s perfect if you want something understated.
- Swiss Blue Topaz: brighter and more vibrant than sky blue. This is the color that most people think of when they hear “blue topaz”.
- London Blue Topaz: dark, muted, close to navy blue. This is the deepest and most expensive of the three. London blue topaz exudes a dramatic, mysterious vibe.
Each color has its own style, but remember, the deeper the color, the higher the price.
Meaning and Symbolism of Blue Topaz
In the world of gemstones, blue topaz symbolizes clarity, communication, and calm.
It is often associated with the throat chakra, and for centuries, people have worn it to alleviate stress, clear the mind, and even improve communication skills.
If you like birthstones, topaz is one of the traditional November birthstones, and naturally, blue topaz is also considered a November birthstone. Additionally, blue is linked to the colors of December birthstones, so in recent years, blue topaz has also been used as a December birthstone (especially in the United States), representing wisdom, success, and love.
Moreover, blue topaz is also the 4th wedding anniversary stone.
How Much Does Blue Topaz Cost?
Expect to pay between $10 – $100 per carat (for loose stones).
The gemstone’s hue, cut, carat, and clarity will affect the price. Sky blue topaz typically costs less, while darker hues (like London blue) are more expensive.
If you’re buying finished blue topaz jewelry, expect to pay a higher price. MollyJewelryUS, as a professional gem jeweler, has gained the trust of many customers by adhering to the principle of honest sales. We offer high-quality blue topaz rings, priced affordably (from $150), and provide professional certification to ensure a reliable shopping experience for every customer.
Why is Blue Topaz so cheap?
You may wonder: “Is it cheap because it’s fake?”
No. It is cheap because blue topaz produced by irradiation and heat treatment is cheap and efficient to manufacture, and the supply is high, so the price is naturally affordable.
Is Blue Topaz Ideal for Everyday Wear?
With a Mohs hardness of 8 (diamonds have a hardness of 10), blue topaz is tough enough for everyday wear and resistant to scratching.
However, be careful not to drop it on hard surfaces or use it as a tool. While durable, it is not indestructible.
Why Is Blue Topaz So Popular?
Because it looks great, it’s beautiful, durable, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
- High durability: With a Mohs hardness of 8, it’s tough enough for daily wear and resistant to scratches.
- Affordable: Blue Topaz is affordable. Even the highest quality blue topaz is less than $1000 for 1 carat (except for natural). You can get high-quality topaz jewelry for just a few hundred dollars!
How to Tell If a Blue Topaz Is Real or Fake
Blue topaz is affordable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check its authenticity. If you really love this gemstone, it’s important to know how to tell if it’s real. Here’s how to identify genuine blue topaz:
- Color: Real blue topaz has a vibrant, even color. If the color looks dull or lifeless, it may be a red flag.
- Hardness: It should resist scratches from most materials, except for other harder stones.
- Weight: Blue topaz is heavier than many other gemstones. If it feels too light, it might be fake.
Always obtain a certificate of authenticity from the jeweler. This is the quickest way to ensure you’ve bought a genuine stone.
Is Blue Topaz Worth Buying?
Blue Topaz is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a beautiful, affordable, and durable blue gemstone.
It is versatile, highly durable, and inexpensive.
Plus, you can pick from a wide range of colors to find the one that suits you best.
How To Choose The Perfect Blue Topaz
Not all blue topaz gemstones are the same. To ensure you’re getting good value for your purchase, keep the following tips in mind:
- Clarity: Blue topaz is known for its color and clarity, so the higher the clarity, the better. Look for one flawless to the naked eye (no visible flaws or cloudiness).
- Cut: A good cut will highlight the gemstone’s color and brilliance. Round, oval, and emerald cuts all work well for blue topaz.
- Color: Choose the hue you prefer (sky blue, Swiss blue, or London blue), but ensure the color is even across the entire stone.
- Size and carat weight: Larger blue topaz gemstones are still affordable, so feel free to go large if that’s your preferred style.
How To Care for Your Blue Topaz
Cleaning is easy, just use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
To keep it looking like new, follow these tips:
- Avoid extreme heat: Although heat-treated, it cannot withstand high temperatures. Heat may cause the color to fade.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Chemicals in cleaning agents can darken the shine over time.
- Store separately: Keep it in a soft pouch to avoid scratches from other jewelry.
FAQs About Blue Topaz
Absolutely. With a hardness of 8, blue topaz is durable enough for everyday wear.
Genuine blue topaz typically feels cool to the touch and is very clear. However, the safest approach is to purchase from a reputable jeweler and request a certification of authenticity.
Generally, it’s unlikely. The color of heat-treated and irradiation-treated blue topaz is usually permanently stable and won’t fade under normal wear conditions unless exposed to prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat.
London Blue Topaz is typically the most expensive due to its rich color and popularity.
It is harder than many other gemstones, but it should still be treated with care. With a Mohs hardness of 8, it is scratch-resistant but not completely scratch-proof.
Yes, it is one of the birthstones for November, and many people also use it as a December birthstone. It’s particularly well-suited for Sagittarius and Capricorn.
Aquamarine is lighter in color and more expensive. Additionally, aquamarine is naturally blue, while most blue topaz is color-treated. View Blue Topaz vs. Aquamarine Guide to Learn More.
Blue topaz is often associated with calmness and communication. Some believe it brings clarity and balance.
Are you buying a loose stone or a piece of blue topaz jewelry? Loose stones typically range from $10 to $100 per carat, depending on the gemstone’s 4Cs. The finished piece of jewelry is determined on a case-by-case basis, as there is more involved than just the price of the gemstone but also the accessories and so on.
Absolutely. The treated blue topaz that is authorized for sale has no residual radiation, so you can wear it with confidence.