Blue Topaz
by Rhea Rhaghaven
The Icing on Every Romance
From the deepest blues of the ocean to the light hues of the skies, blue topaz is the icing on every romance. Its magnificent hues mesmerize its owner and bearer and promise longevity and happiness. A royal delight, a woman’s dream and a jewelers pride the colors of topaz are varied and fantastic.
 The name of the stone is derived from the Greek word ‘topazes’ and is rightfully even said to have been derived from the Sanskrit word- tapas that means fire. A stone that can light the fire in any relationship.
Topaz is a gemstone of all colors and its most valuable color is a golden orange-yellow, called "imperial topaz". Shades of the red and pink topaz gems were used in the jewelry of the 18th and 19th Century Russian Czarinas and it’s perhaps why topaz is called "Imperial Topaz".
Of the various colors available, blue topaz has found a large audience because of its brilliant hue as also its relatively inexpensive prices. Today blue topaz has almost become a reliable and equally attractive substitute of the Ceylon sapphire. Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, an impressive 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it can be split with a single blow due to its perfect cleavage and therefore should be protected from hard knocks. Although once set this problem shouldn’t be a worry.
 While blue topaz’s are readily available, natural topaz is not so easily found and are mostly made from less attractive and almost colorless topaz that is irradiated to achieve that brilliant blue. While clear topaz has little value it still is quite prevalent because some varieties can be irradiated to various shades of blue that are acceptable within gem market. You would be surprised to know that most blue topaz on the market today is irradiated.
And to a shoppers delight there are more than a singular shade of blue to choose from. The most popular colors are - "London Blue", "Swiss Blue" and "Sky Blue" and each shade of this gemstone has an admirer and keen collector. A deeply coveted stone, the gem is also considered to be one of the stones that form the foundation of the  12 gates in the holy city of Jerusalem. These so-called apocalyptic stones are symbols of protection against enemies and celebrate beauty and splendor.
 Topaz is the apt stone for people with temperamental problems because of its cooling and pleasing effect. The dispeller of sadness and anger the stone protects its wearer from fears, death and danger. In the Roman times the blue topaz was dedicated to Jupiter and enjoyed a fair share of popularity amongst the noble and elite.
Even to date women all over the world are in awe of the mysticism and the royal beauty of the stone. It’s the perfect offset to any occasion with its subtle yet attractive for the gem has enjoyed immense popularity not only in ancient times but is a much sought after addition to one’s collection
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