When we speak about gemstones the very first thing that comes to mind is their gorgeous hue. More often than not, it’s the color that woos a customer to make a purchase. And topaz is a clear winner in this case. Its stunning hues combined with remarkable durability (8 on mineral hardness scale) and affordability make topaz worthy of its prized position in the jewelry world. However, even after all this appreciation, there is still too little known about this beautiful gemstone. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about topaz and its different varieties.
Types of Topaz:
Pure topaz is a silicate mineral that is transparent and colorless when found in nature. The various topaz colors that are available are actually a result of natural impurities or defects in its crystal structure. Based on them, topaz can be classified into the following types:
1. Imperial Topaz:
This is one of the rarest and most expensive varieties of topaz. It occurs naturally in yellow to orange hues with reddish overtones. As a result of its striking color, imperial topaz has become extremely popular and highly sought-after among jewelry lovers across the globe.
2. Sherry Topaz:
It is named after sherry wine and ranges from yellowish-brown and brownish-yellow to orange in color. Several dealers even refer to this gem as precious topaz. This helps traders to distinguish sherry topaz from similar, but less expensive gemstones like citrine and smoky quartz.
3. Yellow Topaz:
For centuries, topaz was believed to be a typical yellow gemstone till modern gemologists discovered its different hues. Today, the term yellow topaz refers only to the yellow and orange-hued varieties of this gem. Also, it is easily available and relatively less expensive than other topaz types.
4. Brown Topaz:
This name is used to refer to the brown-hued topaz variety. It is widely available and a common topaz color due to which it is less valuable than the others. Sometimes this gemstone is mistakenly called smoky quartz as they have a similar hue.
5. White Topaz:
It is the colorless or translucent variety of this gem. It is quite easily available as this is the naturally occurring state of topaz. At times, white topaz can be confused with a diamond due to its brilliance and similar appearance.
6. Blue Topaz:
In the recent years, blue topaz has become the most preferred type of topaz. However, natural blue topaz is extremely rare and usually very pale in color. Therefore natural blue topaz and colorless topaz are often heat treated and irradiated to produce the vibrant blue topaz that is seen in the market.
Blue topaz belongs to the blue gemstones chart and is sold in a wide variety of blue shades, ranging from a light, pastel blue with a light tone and saturation to a deep, rich blue with a medium to the dark tone and saturation. However, the most preferred hue for jewelry is blue topaz, which is also quite stunning and reasonably priced.
Metaphysical Properties of Blue Topaz
Some of the metaphysical properties of blue topaz are as follows:
- One of the most important links between blue topaz and the spiritual body is its capacity to promote a connection with the throat Chakra. We communicate our wants and desires to the outside world through the throat Chakra. It’s where we connect with the people we care about.
- The throat Chakra can open and get rid of any blocks or barriers with the healing power of the blue topaz, enhancing the connection to oneself, as well as with the people around. Blue topaz is a gemstone that represents the third eye Chakra.
Advantages & Healing Powers of Blue Topaz
Let us look at the blue topaz benefits and healing powers:
- Aside from the fact that this gemstone is inexpensive and beautiful, wearing it provides some incredibly therapeutic advantages.
- It is believed that the blue topaz gemstone helps recharge the body, brings the wearer in alignment with his or her highest good, and restores balance.
Anyone who wears this magnificent stone, whether as a blue topaz engagement ring , blue topaz necklace, or blue topaz earrings, benefits tremendously and attracts joy and peace.
Different Types of Blue Topaz Gemstones
London Blue Topaz: This topaz has a deep blue color with hints of green.
- London blue topaz is a topaz stone with a remarkably distinctive, inky blue hue. Not quite as dark as sapphire, but a touch darker than typical topaz.
- The major element in topaz is fluorinated aluminum silicate. Despite usually developing alongside quartz, it has a Mohs hardness of eight, making it more challenging than quartz. London blue topaz is tougher than quartz but not as strong as sapphires, rubies, or diamonds. The other three are gems; however, topaz is a mineral.
- Jewelers choose London blue topaz because it is a sturdy, beautiful stone. Jewelry pieces encrusted with this gemstone are gorgeously colored and have a sophisticated vibe. Bracelets, earrings, London blue topaz engagement rings and necklaces are some of the popular picks that showcase this type of blue topaz.
- For the most part, London blue topaz is an improved stone rather than a naturally occurring one. Its intense blue color is a result of this augmentation. The more vibrant the hue, the higher its worth. Irradiation is typically used to provide deeper color and excellent saturation.
Swiss Blue Topaz: This gem has a light blue color which is similar to an aquamarine.
- The topaz gemstone variant known as Swiss blue topaz has an unusually intense, vivid blue hue. Its distinct blue color tone and sparkling brilliance set this gemstone apart from other blue topaz color variants. It is frequently used to create beautiful jewelry items and is the birthstone for December as well.
- Swiss blue topaz, along with the paler sky-blue and the darker London blue topaz, is one of the three prominent color variations of the blue topaz gemstone. Swiss blue topaz has a special significance due to its distinctive color tones. In addition, this stone has become quite famous among the most popular jewelry designs thanks to its exquisite beauty.
- As we previously stated, the Swiss blue topaz gemstone has become increasingly popular in the jewelry industry. This is because it gives the jewelry pieces a classy radiance and enhances the glam quotient of a sophisticated ensemble.
- The qualities of blue topaz include honesty, mental clarity, and a close emotional connection. This stone can also be used to enhance one’s health and is also recommended for married couples or partners in a committed relationship.
- One of the most alluring and eye-catching stones in today’s market is the genuine blue Swiss topaz, and it is known to help cure anorexia and restore the digestive system. People with headaches or sore throats are advised to wear the blue topaz gemstone as a necklace.
Sky Blue Topaz: This is a bright blue colored variety of the treated topaz.
- Sky-blue topaz is a naturally occurring semi-precious gemstone from the topaz mineral group with a light blue tint. This gemstone is often used in jewelry because of its high durability and vitreous brilliance.
- A globally favored gemstone, the sky-blue topaz has astrological value and is considered sacred by many Vedic astrologers.
- According to Vedic astrology, the sky-blue gemstone is said to help reduce rage, get rid of ill omens, and improve vision. In addition, this gemstone also promotes self-expression and is suitable for authors, journalists, and people in PR.
- It is said that the sky-blue topaz gemstone has exceptional healing qualities. People with joint discomfort, arthritis, hair loss, etc., benefit from it. In addition, people with any chronic mental disease can also gain from the therapeutic qualities of the sky-blue topaz.
Conclusion
As brilliant as the vivid blue sky above, the radiantly beautiful blue topaz gemstone leaves us in complete awe and admiration. There are different types of topaz that you can choose from, but regardless of the kind you pick, you can be assured of its regal splendor and the healing effects it will have on your life. From helping you communicate better to balancing your chakras, the blue topaz gemstone would make for a wonderful addition to your growing jewelry collection.
With all its spectacular hues and magnetic allure, the stunning topaz will definitely make people fall head over heels in love with it!
