Our Favourite Blues
Gemstones have understandably captivated humanity for thousands of years, with each one holding a unique story within its crystalline structure. Among the vast plethora of gemstones that adorn jewellery and amulets, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Zircon and naturally, Sapphire, stand out with their mesmerizing hues and fascinating properties. While they might share a similar aesthetic at first glance, a closer examination reveals distinctive characteristics that set them apart.
Let's jump into their individual crystal matrices and find out what separates blue from blue!
Aquamarine, with its serene blue-green hue reminiscent of tranquil waters, evokes a sense of calm and clarity. Derived from the Latin words "aqua" (water) and "marina" (sea), Aquamarine is often associated with the ocean, is believed to possess soothing properties that calm the mind and spirit and is prized for its alluring clarity and brilliance.
This gemstone belongs to the Beryl family, which also includes Emerald, but unlike Emerald is not subject to the same internal inclusions, it may at times however display distinctive long hollow tubes called ‘rain’, often only visible under magnification. It’s colour can vary from the palest ice blue to a deep blue-green, with the most valuable stones exhibiting an intense hue.
Aquamarine is typically found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, and Nigeria. In addition to its undeniable aesthetic appeal, Aquamarine is esteemed by many for its metaphysical properties. It is said to enhance communication, promote emotional healing, and foster a sense of tranquillity and harmony. As a birthstone for March, Aquamarine symbolizes purity, hope, and everlasting youth, making it both a cherished and flattering choice for most lovers of fine jewellery.
Blue Topaz, with its vivid blue hue reminiscent of a clear summer sky, exudes a celestial elegance that enchants the beholder. Unlike natural Aquamarine, most Blue Topaz available is created through a process of irradiation and heat treatment, which enhances its colour and clarity. Blue Topaz can range in shade from a light, icy blue similar to Aquamarine, through sky and intense 'swimming pool', to the deep, intense azure known as 'London Blue', offering a range of options to suit your preference.
This pretty gemstone is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Russia, and the United States. In terms of symbolism, Blue Topaz is associated with wisdom, serenity, and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed to promote mental clarity, aid in communication, and inspire creativity and self-expression. As a birthstone for December, Blue Topaz symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and inner strength, making it a popular choice for jewellery and commemorative gifts.
Zircon, sometimes mistaken for cubic zirconia (which is synthetic) is a magnificent natural gemstone renowned for its fiery brilliance. While it comes in a variety of colours, including yellow and red, Blue Zircon is particularly prized for its vivid hue and exceptional sparkle. Zircon is arguably the oldest natural mineral on Earth, with deposits from Jack Hills, Western Australia dating back over 4.4 billion years ago! It is notable for its very high refractive index, which gives it unparalleled brilliance and dispersion and is the reason it has been used as a Diamond simulant. Zircon is found in various locations worldwide, with notable deposits in Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. From an esoteric perspective, Zircon is associated with purity, prosperity, and protection. It is believed to promote spiritual growth, enhance intuition, and ward off negative energies. This dazzling gem is certain to attract everyone's attention!
Precious Blue Sapphire, with its mesmerizing lustre, is a gemstone of distinct and unparalleled beauty, evoking both the serene majesty of a midnight sky and the tranquil depths of the ocean. Among its various origins in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Africa, Australia and Kashmir, Sapphires stand out for their exceptional qualities and unique characteristics.
Ceylon Sapphires, sourced from Sri Lanka's fabled mines, are renowned for their ethereal cornflower blue hues, reminiscent of the island's azure skies and crystal-clear waters, through to intense cobalt shades. Prized for their clarity, brilliance and durability they are universally admired and in high demand.
Burmese Sapphires, hailing from the legendary mines of Myanmar, boast a rich, slightly velvety blue coloration famed for both depth and intensity. Often tinged with hints of violet, Burmese Sapphires possess a mesmerizing allure. This velvety sheen and exceptional saturation in the mid to deep range make them highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Pailin Blue Sapphire refers to a specific type of blue sapphire gemstone that originates from the Pailin region of Cambodia. These sapphires are renowned for their intense blue color, often characterized by a deep, vivid hue with excellent clarity. Pailin Blue Sapphires are highly valued in the gemstone market due to their exceptional color saturation and quality.
Kashmir Sapphires, revered as the rarest and most coveted of all blue Sapphires, originate from the remote Himalayan region of Kashmir. Characterized by their exquisite deep cornflower blue hues with a pronounced velvety texture known as "silk," Kashmir sapphires possess a legendary glow, which when combined with their rarity makes them the quintessential specimen. 'Intense' is the best description for their appearance. This combination of beauty and scarcity evoke a sense of wonder and reverence, capturing the imagination with tales of adventure and romance.
Photo courtesy: https://www.sarnam.com/blue-sapphires.asp
Whilst Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Zircon and Sapphire may share a similar aesthetic appeal with their captivating blue hues, each gemstone possesses its own unique characteristics and symbolism. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil beauty of Aquamarine, the prettiness of Blue Topaz, the dazzling sparkle of Zircon, or the velvety blue of Sapphire, these gemstones offer a universe of options to adorn yourself with beauty and meaning.
Come and explore the world of wonderful blue gems with us and see what we have in store at The French Jewel Box.