Blue Topaz Gives Bright Outlook - By: John Brana

Blue Topaz occurs in several hues of blue. Not only is Blue Topaz a beautiful gemstone and comes in a variety of colors, it also has many interesting legends attached to it.

Like most topazes, which are quartz crystals, Blue Topaz starts out as a virutally clear or a lightly tinted shade of crystal. The clear quartz crystals are irradiated to draw out the blue hues, then heat treated to seal in the color. The color depends on which type of radiation is used.

Bombarding topazes with neutrons in a nuclear accelerator changes the color to the deep green-blue or gray-blue known as London Blue Topaz. Irradiating topazes with electrons in a linear accelerator will produce Sky Blue Topaz. If the quartz crystals are exposed to both neutorns and electrons, Swiss Blue or Electric Blue Topaz will result with highly saturated colors. After a one year cooling off period, the radiation levels are safe enough to allow the Topaz to be worn by consumers.

Most blue topaz has a modest value, so there's little incentive for gemologists to create synthetic versions of the gem. By coating quartz crystals with titanium particles, a rainbow of colors is produce that is commonly referred to as Mystic Topaz. Since this effect is produced by a thin coating of titanium, Mystic Blue Topaz is extremely fragile and must be handeled with the greatest of care.

Despite its unusual production methods, Blue Topaz serves as a wonderful gemstone because it has a high refractive index and polishes up beautifully. With a score of 8 on Moh's Scale of gemstone hardness, Blue Topaz finds its way into many attractive pieces of jewelry.

Blue Topaz is said to aid in the regulation of the heart, promotes glandular health, reduces fever and inflammations such as arthritis. However, the color of Blue Topaz has gained repute as a stone particularly help for meditation, discernment and forgiveness. The calming effect of its blue color is believed to help its wearers let go of their anger and fosters forgiveness and reconciliation that leads a calmer and more fulfilling life.

About the Author

Whether classic or contemporary, Blue Topaz Gemstone Jewelry by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana is designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd.

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