Buying Guide

The Gemstone Guide to Blue Topaz

Loved for
Topaz has been loved through the ages by artists, authors and musicians, and is closely associated with creative expression.

About Blue Topaz
Topaz is an aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide crystal.

The name topaz comes from topazos, an ancient Greek word meaning “to seek”. This could explain the association of the gemstone with truth and forgiveness, clarity of thought and expression, and the attainment of confidence to fulfill aspirations.

Whilst yellow topaz is seen as a fire stone, connected to both Jupiter and the Sun in ancient cultures, blue topaz is thought to have lunar associations. Naturally low refraction can result in brilliance and dullness within the same stone when viewed from different angles, believed to encapsulate the waxing and waning of the moon.

Natural light blue topaz is the state gemstone of Texas, USA.

Colour
Naturally occurring blue topaz tends towards quite pale tones. The darker, more vivid blue shades of Sky Blue Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz and London Blue Topaz are created by heat-treating yellow topaz.

London Blue Topaz has the darkest tone, often described as inky or steely.

Where it's found
During the 18th century, the world’s most famous topaz mine was at Schneckenstein in Saxony. Today, they are most commonly found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Burma and Russia.

Very light blue natural topaz has been found in the north of Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall.

Moh hardness
8 (1 soft to 10 hard)

Birthstone
Often associated with December

Anniversaries
4th wedding anniversary