What on Earth Is Blue Topaz?

Blue topaz is the best-known colour of topaz, an aluminum silicate with a Mohs hardness of 8. Almost all of it on the market is colourless topaz that has been heated and irradiated to produce the blue, and it is loved by jewellers because it is elegant and affordable. In crystal lore, Blue Topaz is a stone of calm communication, strong relationships and the higher self. Below: its properties, history and lore.

The Physical Properties of Blue Topaz

An aluminum silicate that contains fluorine, Topaz is known for its durability and glass-like luster. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 8. Although it isn't soluble in most chemicals, Topaz is brittle and possesses a perfect cleavage. It easily forms cracks, flaws, or chips when extreme pressure is applied to it.

The stone is also pleochroic in nature, meaning it displays various colours when viewed from different angles. As a result, Topaz reflects a distinct blue green or light green colour.

Blue Topaz rarely occurs in nature, with a clear to light blue shade. Most Blue Topaz gemstones available in the market today are colour-enhanced. They are made by heating and irradiating colourless Topaz to produce assorted shades of blue.

In the jewelry trade, stones with a light to moderate blueness are called Sky Blue and Swiss Blue Topaz, while stones that have a deeper (almost denim-like) sky blue colour are called London Blue Topaz. The value of the stone increases with the intensity of its colour.

The History of Blue Topaz

The name ˜Topaz' comes from the Greek word topazion, a derivative of the ancient Sanskrit word for fire. It is believed that the stone was first discovered on the Island of Topazios in Egypt's Red Sea. Topaz is also mentioned in the Old Testament of the bible which indicates that it has been regarded as a precious stone for ages.

Before the 1970s, Blue Topaz was rare and very costly. To increase supply, gem enhancement experts came up with the irradiation process to turn colourless Topaz stones to Blue Topaz. In this process, the stone is treated with gamma radiation to alter the structure of its crystal lattice. This changes the way light penetrates the stone as well as the amount of light it absorbs, resulting in the colour change. Gem experts learned to adjust the process to create different intensities of blueness in Topaz stones.

The Ostro Stone, the world's largest Blue Topaz, was discovered in the mid-1980s by the British explorer Max Ostro in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was faceted into a 9,381-carat gem measuring 15cm long and 10.5cm wide (the size of a rugby ball) and weighing about 2kg.

The Lore of Blue Topaz

In ancient Egypt, Blue Topaz is worn to protect against enemies and nightmares. The gemstone was also worshipped as it is said to possess mystical powers bestowed upon by the sun god Ra.

Because of its cool blue colour, Blue Topaz was long associated with coolness in folklore, and with calming big emotions like fear and anger.

Blue Topaz is the birthstone of people born in December. It symbolizes clarity, honesty, and deep emotional connection. Gifting someone a Topaz gemstone or jewelry signifies a proposal for a committed romantic relationship or an appreciation of the recipient's loyalty.

The Metaphysical Properties of Blue Topaz

In crystal lore, Blue Topaz is associated with effective communication in relationships, speaking calmly in emotionally charged situations and compassion toward the other person.

It is also associated with forgiveness and a relaxed outlook. Meditating with a Blue Topaz is said to help one feel attuned to their higher self. See more faceted stones.