Dahl Jewelers, Woodbridge, VA
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a beautiful gem with a somewhat confusing history. Of course, that can also be said about all topaz.
To begin with, the word topaz comes from Topazas, now called Zabargad, an island in the Red Sea where the stones were thought to be located. The trouble with this story is that, while green peridot has been mined there for thousands of years, no blue topaz or any other topaz has ever been found there.
The Rig Veda (Book of Versus) of India dates to the second millennium B.C. and is perhaps the oldest religious writing of any existing religious group. One part of the Rig Veda lists the ratnacastras, also called the
"nine-gem" jewel. This was a fabulous ring that was designed to promote harmony and
"combine all the powerful astrological influences." In this ring, the nine stones are placed to represent the heavens with topaz set in the northeast quadrant, representing Jupiter.
Topaz was also one of the stones in Aaron's breastplate.
For thousands of years, topaz has held a place of honor among the gems of the world.
Description of Blue Topaz Qualities That We Sell
High quality: London: It is the darkest blue available. It is more steel blue color, sometimes with slight gray overtones. Difficult to obtain good color in larger sizes (above 5 carats).
Medium quality: Dark Swiss: This grade includes Dark Swiss, Electric and Super Blue. A very vivid deep dark, but bright, blue color.
Low quality: Light Swiss: This grade is lighter than Dark Swiss but darker than Sky Blue. Looks like a very fine deep aquamarine color.
Very low quality: Sky blue. This grade looks like a medium grade aqua color.
Please check here for a note about colored gemstone qualities.
Blue Topaz Properties
Birthstone: December (alternate)
Hardness: 8
Specific Gravity: 3.52 (+ .02)
Toughness: Fair to poor
Ref. Index: 1.61 to 1.63
Double Refraction: +0.008 to .010
Main Sources: Brazil, Sri-Lanka
Treatment: Irradiation and heating (stable)
Reaction to Heat: Poor, heat may cause color change.
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