In the world of exquisite gemstones, Aquamarine and Blue Topaz gemstones stand out as some of the most sought-after choices. Their captivating shades of blue resembling the serene waters have made them perennial favorites for jewelry enthusiasts. However, given their similar appearance, distinguishing between Aquamarine And Blue Topaz gemstones can be challenging for many. In this blog, join Senyda in distinguishing Aquamarine and Blue Topaz gemstones, allowing you to confidently tell them apart.
1. Blue Topaz and Aquamarine gemstones are what?
Blue Topaz gemstones
Blue Topaz, a stunning gemstone with vibrant blue hues, was created through a process involving irradiation or heat treatment to enhance its natural color.
The mesmerizing shades of Blue Topaz range from a clear, tranquil sky-blue to deeper, more vivid blues, making it a coveted choice for jewelry crafting. Known for its association with love, loyalty, and tranquility, Blue Topaz is not just a beautiful gemstone but also a symbol of emotional depth, making it a sought-after choice for gifting on special occasions.
Blue Topaz is a stunning gemstone with vibrant blue hues.
Aquamarine gemstones
Aquamarine, is often referred to as the "Sea Blue" gem. The name 'Aquamarine' originates from the Latin words 'aqua' (water) and 'marina' (sea), perfectly describing its hue that resembles the clear and tranquil waters of the sea. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, alongside other gemstones such as Emerald and Morganite.
Aquamarine is esteemed for its gentle and serene light blue color, as well as its transparency and brilliance. Furthermore, Aquamarine is often regarded as a symbol of peace and love, making it a popular choice for gifting on significant occasions.
The aquamarine hue resembles the clear and tranquil waters of the sea.
2. Distinguishing Aquamarine And Blue Topaz Gemstones
The composition and chemical formulas
Blue Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral combined with fluorine. Its precise chemical is Al2SiO4(F,OH)2. The presence of fluorine (F) in Blue Topaz plays a pivotal role in the creation of its distinctive color.
Blue Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral combined with fluorine.
Aquamarine is composed of aluminum beryllium cyclosilicate. Its accurate chemical is Be3Al2Si6O18. This composition is essential in allowing Aquamarine to display its characteristic light and transparent blue.
Aquamarine is composed of aluminum beryllium cyclosilicate.
Geographical origins
Blue Topaz can be found in various parts of the world including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Australia, China, Madagascar, Ireland, Japan, etc. In Vietnam, Topaz has also been discovered in regions such as Vinh Phuc, Thanh Hoa, and Lam Dong.
Aquamarines originate from different global locations such as Brazil, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Russia. In Vietnam, Aquamarine is primarily distributed in areas like Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Khanh Hoa.
Color
Blue Topaz exhibits a range of colors dependent on the presence of iron and chromium. In nature, true Blue Topaz is relatively rare, with most specimens displaying a pale blue hue. The rarer, vivid blue variants are typically created through irradiation and heat treatment of white topaz.
Blue Topaz exhibits a range of colors dependent on the presence of iron and chromium.
Aquamarines possess a unique spectrum of colors within the blue-green range. Most natural Aquamarines showcase a delicate shade of blue, while deeper and more intense hues are scarce.
Most natural Aquamarines showcase a delicate shade of blue.
Hardness and Durability
Hardness:
- Blue Topaz with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
- Aquamarine is also relatively hard, scoring between 7.5 to 8.
Blue Topaz, with its higher hardness, is less prone to scratches and abrasions.
Durability:
- Aquamarine has an imperfect cleavage, meaning it may have internal fractures.
- Conversely, Blue Topaz exhibits perfect cleavage, making it less likely to have internal fractures or cleavages.
Pricing
In general, Aquamarine tends to command a significantly higher market price compared to Blue Topaz. One key factor is the rarity of Aquamarine in its natural form. Naturally occurring high-quality Aquamarines are rare, and their extraction and procurement require significant effort and resources.
Aquamarine jewelry has a significantly higher market price compared to Blue Topaz.
Cut Styles
In contrast, Topaz is often cut into classic shapes such as emerald, oval, or pear to maximize weight retention and value.
Topaz cut designs in jewelry.
Aquamarine is known for its versatility when it comes to cuts. It can be fashioned into a wide array of shapes, including oval, triangular, marquise, cushion, and round. This versatility provides jewelry designers with ample creative freedom to craft unique and diverse designs.
In conclusion, the ability to distinguish between Aquamarine and Blue Topaz gemstones is a valuable skill for any gem enthusiast. These remarkable gemstones add elegance and charm to the realm of jewelry and your personal adornment.