Curious about the contrasting traits of aquamarine and blue topaz? Look no further!
Within this informative compendium, I shall address the ensuing inquiries regarding these sought-after azure gemstones:
- Does aquamarine possess suitability for engagement rings?
- Do all blue topaz gemstones share identical characteristics?
- What methods can be employed to discern the disparities between aquamarine and blue topaz?
Differences Between Aquamarine and Blue Topaz
- Aquamarine emanates from the lineage of beryl, whereas blue topaz originates from the topaz kin.
- The value of blue topaz fluctuates with its shade, while the worth of aquamarine hinges on its tonality.
- March claims aquamarine as its birthstone, while December claims blue topaz as its own.
- Aquamarine gemstones exhibit elevated resilience, while topaz gemstones tend to be more prone to cleavage.
Origin – Aquamarine vs Blue Topaz
Aquamarine
The aquamarine gemstone, belonging to the beryl family, displays a captivating range of blue to bluish green hues. This beryl lineage is renowned for yielding other exquisite stones like morganite and emerald. Furthermore, aquamarine holds the esteemed title of being the primary birthstone for the month of March. It holds the status of a semi-precious gemstone.
Throughout history, the allure of aquamarine has been intricately intertwined with the mesmerizing essence of the sea. Known as the “Water of the Sea” among the ancient Romans, it was believed to possess protective qualities, a belief still embraced by modern crystal healers. In times past, these crystalline blues found favor with the Ancient Greeks, Samaritans, Hebrews, and Egyptians, captivating the hearts of all who encountered them.
While aquamarine exists in abundance within the Earth’s depths, not all specimens boast the desired top-grade coloration. While Brazil stands as the primary source of these gemstones, they can also be discovered in India, Nigeria, Africa, Myanmar, Siberia, and an array of other locations. The origins of aquamarine know no bounds.
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Blue Topaz
Topaz, a widely encountered gemstone within the realm of jewelry, is commonly recognized as a diamond substitute when colorless. It manifests in a multitude of hues, with blue topaz ranking among the most sought-after variants. Composed of a silicate mineral blend of fluorine and aluminum, topaz boasts its unique composition.
As the birthstone for December, blue topaz holds a significant position. The origins of the term “topaz” can be traced back to the Greek word “Topazios,” denoting an island nestled in the depths of the Red Sea. Additionally, it is suggested that the Sanskrit word for “fire” holds a connection to this captivating gemstone.
In the ancient Greek belief system, topaz was associated with the infusion of strength. However, it is noteworthy that primarily yellow and brown topaz were prevalent during that era. It was not until approximately 1960 when Max Ostro stumbled upon topaz deposits in Brazil.
The occurrence of naturally blue topaz is an extraordinary rarity. Nonetheless, through the application of heat treatment and irradiation techniques, these mesmerizing blue variants have become widely available and affordable. Scientists have successfully transformed colorless topaz into blue topaz through this treatment, which yields permanent results.
Appearance – Aquamarine vs Blue Topaz
Aquamarine
The majority of aquamarine jewelry of excellent quality found in popular stores such as Kay and Zales tends to exhibit a light hue. This is primarily because these gems belong to the less desirable category of aquamarines. However, it’s worth noting that most aquamarines are reasonably priced. On the occasion that you come across a darker aquamarine, be prepared to invest a fair amount for it, but we’ll delve into that topic further on.
Unless subjected to any treatments, aquamarine stones weighing less than 5 carats generally possess a pale blue coloration. Light blue variations are commonly encountered, although certain shades might not be classified as genuine aquamarines. In fact, white aquamarine is essentially colorless beryl, also referred to as goshenite.
Both treated and untreated stones boast comparable quality; however, the application of treatments can diminish their overall value and price. Heat treatment is a customary procedure employed for enhancing aquamarine gemstones, typically carried out on the rough stones prior to their extraction from the deposits.
The application of heat treatment to an aquamarine gem alters its coloration, rather than its tonal quality. In the realm of aquamarine, unlike other gemstones, the price is not primarily influenced by its color hue. Instead, the crucial determinant of value lies in the intensity of the blue tone exhibited by the aquamarine gem.
Aquamarine stones possessing robust tones, showcasing a range from blue to blue-green, hold the highest intrinsic worth. Nonetheless, these darker tones are typically observed in crystals weighing over 5 carats, making it a rarity to come across an aquamarine ring displaying such characteristics.
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Imitations and Synthetics
Despite the generally affordable nature of aquamarine gemstones, it is important to note the presence of lab-created alternatives in the market. These lab-created stones possess identical chemical, physical, and optical properties to those of natural aquamarine, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when purchasing untreated aquamarine stones and ensure the presence of a valid gem certificate beforehand.
While natural aquamarine crystals tend to be predominantly clear, they may exhibit some clarity imperfections. Conversely, synthetic aquamarine jewelry is typically free from any inclusions. To ascertain the authenticity of a piece, it is recommended to either consult a gemologist or have the stone examined in a laboratory setting.
It is worth noting that any blue stone with a similar hue can be mistaken for imitation aquamarine. In the realm of children’s jewelry, light blue cubic zirconia or zircon are commonly utilized as imitation stones. These imitations often bear a resemblance to blue topaz, which is also capable of producing similar shades.
To differentiate between aquamarine and blue topaz, a diamond tester can prove useful. Most testers offer readings for diamond, moissanite, and topaz, enabling the identification of aquamarine stones.
Blue Topaz
A plethora of enchanting blue tones can be discovered within the realm of blue topaz gemstones. Nonetheless, these mesmerizing blue topaz variations can generally be classified into three primary shades: sky blue topaz, Swiss blue topaz, and London blue topaz. Furthermore, one may encounter the delightful inclusion of baby Swiss blue topaz, which gracefully resides between the realms of Swiss blue and sky blue.
Sky Blue Topaz
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Swiss Blue Topaz
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London Blue Topaz
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Distinguishing between sky blue topaz and Swiss blue topaz can pose a considerable challenge. Sky blue topaz showcases a subdued, muted blue hue, whereas Swiss blue topaz leans towards a vibrant, radiant blue shade. It is worth noting that sky blue topaz may exhibit a subtle green undertone.
In contrast, London blue topaz boasts a profound, deep blue tone, often accompanied by hints of dark blue-green shades reminiscent of the mesmerizing colors found in the depths of the bluish-green ocean. It is not uncommon to encounter various shades of blue topaz arranged in an ombre fashion within gemstone jewelry. Additionally, aquamarine frequently complements the diverse spectrum of blue topaz hues.
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Imitations and Synthetics
Synthetic blue topaz gemstones are available in the market; however, the affordability of heat-treated blue topaz stones eliminates the necessity for synthetic alternatives. It is not uncommon to come across lab-created blue topaz on relatively inexpensive platforms such as Etsy or Amazon.
Regarding gemstone imitations, aquamarine is frequently compared to blue topaz. These gemstones can mimic each other’s appearance, as can other gems like cubic zirconia or blue zircon. Unless someone is demanding exorbitant prices, there is generally little cause for concern about being deceived or overcharged when purchasing blue topaz.
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Price and Value – Aquamarine vs Blue Topaz
Both blue topaz and aquamarine possess affordability in their natural state. The utilization of commonly heat-treated or enhanced materials effectively reduces the cost while still preserving their inherent origin. Nonetheless, encountering untreated aquamarine is more probable compared to stumbling upon naturally formed blue topaz.
Similar to other beryl minerals, aquamarine is commonly found in sizable crystals. This prevalence enables individuals to acquire these blue gemstones with a higher carat weight. It is worth noting that larger aquamarines tend to exhibit darker tones, thereby augmenting their value.
Even significant light blue aquamarines remain within an affordable range. Surprisingly, gems exceeding 5 carats decrease in value as they are not commonly worn for jewelry purposes.
For light blue aquamarines, the price hovers around $40 per carat. However, medium tones elevate the cost to approximately $300 per carat. Lastly, aquamarines with a superior blue hue are typically valued at around $500 per carat.
The prices mentioned above are not applicable to blue topaz. Given the scarcity of naturally occurring blue topaz, it is reasonable to infer that the majority of blue topaz gemstones encountered have undergone heat treatment or are artificially produced using lab methods.
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A London blue topaz gemstone weighing 1 carat can be priced at approximately $27 per carat. For Swiss blue topaz and sky blue gems, the cost ranges from $17 to $18 per carat.
Determining the worth of a gemstone involves assessing its overall durability. It is crucial to select a stone that can withstand the rigors of daily wear, especially if it is intended for an engagement ring. This ensures that you do not spend excessively on a stone that may get damaged or require replacement.
The mineral hardness scale serves as a method to evaluate value. It indicates the stone’s ability to resist everyday dirt and dust. An aquamarine scores between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, while a blue topaz scores 8. These two gemstones exhibit commendable resistance to scratches. In comparison, a diamond scores a perfect 10, representing the highest level of hardness among minerals.
However, the concept of hardness solely pertains to the susceptibility of a stone to scratches. The durability of a gemstone, on the other hand, is determined by its cleavage and fracture characteristics. Topaz exhibits flawless cleavage in a single direction. This implies that if a blue topaz is impacted in an unfavorable manner, it is more prone to splitting along a particular axis. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that such an outcome is not guaranteed even upon impact, although the likelihood increases.
Aquamarines, on the contrary, possess indistinct cleavage, thereby eliminating the added risk of directional breakage. However, this does not imply that they are entirely immune to chipping or breakage. Such incidents are simply less probable.
In general, gemologists regard blue topaz as possessing commendable wearability, while aquamarine is deemed to exhibit exceptional wearability.
Conclusion
Both of these blue gemstones offer remarkable options for adorning jewelry. Aquamarine, specifically, stands out as an excellent choice for engagement rings or wedding jewelry that you intend to wear on a daily basis.
Nevertheless, a blue topaz ring can be worn effortlessly without encountering any significant harm. Fortunately, even in the event of gradual damage to your gemstones, they can be replaced without incurring exorbitant expenses.