Cool Blue Topaz

mike250 | Nov 25, 2009 |

1 Comments | Rating: 1

A pair of blue topaz earrings would make a fine addition to any woman's accessory wardrobe. The brilliant blue hue of the stones is most often reminiscent of crystal clear water of the ocean, especially in tropical locations. Large blue topaz stones are readily available for purchase as earrings or other jewelry pieces and make an especially beautiful, bold statement.

Topaz is chemically set apart from other gemstones by having fluoride and aluminum molecules in addition to the silicone and oxygen present in other silicates. While pure topaz stones are clear, the inclusion of other minerals often alters the color of topaz. Blue topaz is very rare to find naturally occurring, so most of the stones available have been engineered by taking pure clear topaz and subjecting it first to irradiation and then to high temperatures. This procedure results in the hardest of the silicate mineral stones.

The oldest recorded topaz is from over 2000 years ago, although references were probably talking about the yellow topaz, which is much more common naturally. They served as part of the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of the New Jerusalem. They were placed around the city because it was believed the topaz would help offer protection to the city and at the same time, they were a symbol of beauty, wealth, and splendor.

Throughout the years topaz has been ascribed many mystical traits and the blue topaz variety received special attention due to its incredible beauty and rarity in nature. The icy color of blue topaz was rumored to have a cooling effect on all that it touched, with claims even made that your hand could be immersed in boiling water without harm after a topaz had been thrown into it. Topaz is also known to dispel enchantment and according to the ancient Greeks topaz can make its wearer invisible and increase strength in times of emergency.

Blue topaz is an alternate birthstone for those born in the month of December, and darker varieties known as London Blue is often used as a cheaper alternative for Sapphire, the birthstone for September. Topaz is found in various places around the world including Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the United States. The state of Texas in the United States claimed Blue Topaz as the state gem in 1969 after a small deposit of the very rare naturally occurring pale blue topaz was found in the state.

Blue topaz has won attraction as a favorite of designers because of its affordability and wide availability in a range of shapes and sizes, including unusual and dramatic cuts. The many bright variations of the blue topaz fits beautifully in both a yellow or white metal setting.

Your blue topaz earrings and other jewelry should be protected at all times from hard hits. Similar to a diamond, topaz is a very hard gemstone and a larger rock can be split in two by a hard enough blow. When caring for your jewelry nothing more is needed for cleaning than mild dish soap and a toothbrush that is set aside specifically for the purpose of cleaning around the stones to remove collected dust.

A simple pair of blue topaz earrings will prove very versatile, complementing almost anything in your wardrobe and elevating your outfits from plain to stunning. A set of smaller solitaires would be an excellent option for daytime wear. Save a pair with more dramatic cut and larger flair to show off for a night out on the town.