During the middle ages, blue topaz was symbolic of strength and vitality.
Blue topaz gems, often referred to as coastal blue topaz gems due to their pale aquatic color, are used in the creation of rings, necklaces and an array of other fine jewelry. In addition to being the designated birth stone for the month of December, blue topaz was adopted in 1969 as the official gemstone of the state of Texas.
BlueTopaz in History
In medieval times, blue topaz was highly regarded in society as a mystical gemstone that had the ability to cure a great many illnesses. Blue topaz was also believed to have the ability to prevent death and cure blindness. The ancient Egyptians believed in the power of blue topaz to provide strength to such an extent that they wore the gemstone as an amulet during the course of battle to protect them from injury.
Hardness and Clarity
Most topaz gems are transparent to translucent in appearance, and natural blue topaz stones are rare. The lighting of most blue topaz gemstones shows pleochroism, with distinct ranges of lighter and darker blue in accordance to the light in which the gemstone is viewed. Blue topaz is classified as a number 8 on the Mohrs scale, which determines the hardness of natural gemstones. It is next in hardness to the diamond and carborundum, which are the hardest of all minerals.
Uses
Due to its natural beauty and durability, blue topaz gemstones are often used in the creation of fine and semi-fine jewelry, with the most common used being for rings, pendants and bracelets. In addition to every day jewelry, the blue topaz is the suggested gemstone for the recognition of the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage. In ancient times, blue topaz was also used by the Greek to test food and drink to ensure that it had not been poisoned by enemies. It was believed that the gemstone would change color when exposed to poison and lethal toxins.
Locations and Deposits
Brazil is one of the most productive of all locations in regard to the mining of blue topaz. However, the gemstone is also found in Great Britain, particularly in Cornwall, Northern Ireland and Scotland. While less common, blue topaz has also been found in the U.S, Myanmar, Russia, Australia, China and Japan, although, in those nations, other colors such as yellow topaz are more commonly found.
Tags: blue topaz, topaz also, topaz gems, blue topaz, blue topaz, blue topaz, blue topaz gemstones