You may have heard of the name topaz before and wondered if it was the same thing as sapphire or emerald, or if it was even worth anything at all. London blue topaz is actually a type of silicate, which means that it does have gem-like properties and can be polished into jewelry like any other stone, but it does differ from other gems in some very important ways.
Understanding Blue Topaz
Topaz is a hydrated aluminum silicate mineral which forms in granular, prismatic, and massive habits. Topaz has Mohs hardness of 8, a specific gravity of 3.50–4.00, and is typically transparent to translucent. Pure topaz is colorless; however several impurities give it different colors—the primary source for red shades is aluminum oxides (alumina), whereas green can be caused by either iron or chromium(III) oxide impurities; pure blue topaz is derived from irradiation to achieve an intense color and stability.
Properties of Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz stones are characterized by a few specific qualities that set them apart from other gemstones. The most obvious quality is their unique sky-blue color, which is particularly striking in darker stones. This makes Blue Topaz an ideal choice for jewelry because it pairs well with virtually any metal and can be matched to outfits. Blue Topaz is also valued for its hardness, another quality that makes it well-suited for ring settings and earrings. It’s incredibly durable even in rings and necklaces where it’s prone to more friction than other jewelry pieces; Gemvara says it has a hardness rating of 8 out of 10 on their scale (although JTV says 7).
Where is it found
Topaz is found in many places around the world. It is mined in Brazil, China, Sri Lanka, Russia and Vietnam. Because of its beauty, it is also found on every continent except Antarctica. It can be used for many different things including jewelry, electronics and even lasers. The colors it comes in vary from deep blues to yellow and green-hued browns.
How much it costs
A garnet stone is a form of corundum, meaning it's made up of aluminum oxide. Blue Topaz stones cost between $15 and $100 per carat, depending on its color and clarity. Green Garnet costs about $12 a carat and is also said to bring prosperity to its wearer. If you're looking for an affordable way to bring that prosperity into your life, look no further than a garnet stone!
Who uses it
Blue Topaz is an extremely common gemstone used in jewelry and other personal adornments. It can be found in any part of the world, but it is most commonly mined in Brazil. In fact, nearly every faceted stone on earth that’s a vibrant, medium to dark blue comes from there. Known as Prasiolite, Blue Topaz can also be found in Russia and Pakistan; but again, because it’s a Brazil-based gemstone by far its most common source.
