Blue topaz occurs rarely in nature but is a popular and common gemstone due to its relatively inexpensive price. Most of the blue topaz that exists is created through various treatments to make clear stones take on a blue color. Blue topaz is the modern birthstone for the month of December and, therefore, is seen often in birthstone jewelry. The stone is thought by some to also have healing properties.
Physical Properties
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral usually found in igneous rocks in the countries of Brazil, Mexico and Sri Lanka. Blue topaz has an orthorhombic crystal system and is usually found in well-formed prisms in nature. It has a hardness rating of 8 and a cleavage rating of 1, which is considered virtually perfect. It is fairly tough but slightly brittle due to its cleavage. Crystal cleavage is the way that crystals split along structural planes to form geometric shapes.
Healing Properties
Those who utilize crystals and gemstones for their healing properties may be interested in blue topaz because of its beauty and mystical properties. Blue topaz is believed to affect the throat and third eye chakras as well as bringing truth, wisdom and clear communication to those who carry it. Topaz in general is believed by some to have healing properties in digestion, metabolism and eating disorders as well as properties that promote honesty, self-realization, relaxation, joy, prosperity and self-knowledge.
Color Properties
The color treatment in blue topaz can be enhanced by a variety of methods to provide a gemstone with darker and deeper blue qualities. Depending on the method of treatment, which ranges from exposure to gamma rays to exposure to nuclear reactors, various types of blue colors are developed. The properties of these blue colors are described as being a deeper blue with a lack yellow. Trade names have been developed based on these properties and the stones are often sold under those names, including London Blue, Swiss Blue and Super Sky Blue.
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