Blue topaz has a storied history and unique properties that make it a treasured and special gem. It has been prized for its striking qualities since ancient times. In the article below, we will take a closer look at blue topaz and discover more about what makes this gem so special.
Blue Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral and one of the hardest minerals found in nature. Topaz gems occur in a range of colors including pink, red and golden brown. The blue topaz was once the rarest color of all. In the modern world, it has become one of the more common forms thanks to a process for giving colorless or white topaz a blue color. The process was developed in the 1970s and involves irradiating the gem. The color-treating method replicates the way that naturally occurring blue topaz acquires its hue, which is from radiation in surrounding rocks. Natural radiation has a similar coloring effect on various other gemstones including diamonds.
Most of the blue topaz available today was colored artificially using gamma rays and tested to ensure safe radiation levels before it is sold to the public.
Characteristics Of Blue Topaz
Jewelry designers have a range of possibilities with blue topaz because the mineral occurs in such large crystals. The size of the crystals makes it possible to find gems with hundreds of carats, which makes blue topaz an excellent choice for lovers of large gemstones or gemstone engagement rings. The large size also means that designers aren't limited to certain shapes. Its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) allows blue topaz to be polished to a high degree.
Need Help Buying Blue Topaz Jewelry?
Because of the precise nature of blue topaz color treatments, you can get exactly the shade you want. Our team of expert jewelers and gemologists at Pageo are dedicated to helping you select the perfect color, clarity, and cut from a wide range of options.