Blue Topaz
Natural Faceted Gems
Blue topaz is the blue color variety of topaz, an aluminium fluorosilicate mineral. Topaz is transparent, strongly lustrous and hard, but its perfect basal cleavage makes it vulnerable to splitting from a sharp blow.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Topaz
- Scientific or material identity
- Topaz
- Classification
- Natural mineral or mineral variety
- Composition or formula
- Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
- Crystal system or structure
- Orthorhombic
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
- Mohs hardness
- 8
Origins
Brazil · Madagascar · Namibia · Nigeria · Pakistan · Sri Lanka · USA
Appearance & optical properties
deep London-blue transparent topaz.
History & discovery
Most authorities connect topaz with Topazios, the ancient Greek name for Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, although that island produced peridot rather than topaz. Another proposed origin is the Sanskrit tapas, “fire.” Blue topaz is recognized as a December birthstone.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Transparent blue topaz is faceted for rings, earrings, pendants and other jewelry; attractive crystals are also kept as mineral specimens.
- Handling and cleaning
- Use warm soapy water. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaning, strong pressure, hard knocks and sudden temperature changes because topaz can split along its cleavage.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Blue Topaz jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Swiss Blue Solitaire Ring
Ring
A large emerald-cut Swiss-blue topaz in white gold, a cool even sky blue.
London Blue Necklace
Necklace
A deep London-blue topaz drop on a white-gold chain, its colour the darkest of the blue topaz grades.
Topaz Belle Earrings
Earrings
A pair of pear-shaped pale blue topaz drops swinging from white-gold caps.
Ribbon Bow Brooch
Brooch
An imagined bow-shaped brooch of white gold set with sky-blue topaz, tied as if for a summer gift.
Swiss Lake Tiara
Tiara
An imagined white-gold tiara set with blue topaz in the bright clear blue of an Alpine lake.