Blue topaz meaning: December birthstone and its colour

What does blue topaz mean?

Blue topaz is known as a stone of love and wisdom. It has a modern link with affection, and we carry it as a symbol of care. It’s also the gem of the fourth wedding anniversary.

No one is quite sure where the word topaz comes from. Some trace it to the Sanskrit tapas, “fire”; others to the Greek topazos.

Is blue topaz linked to a zodiac sign?

In Astrolith readings it isn’t tied to one sign; it comes up when a reading points to love. That means it can sit beside any Sun, Moon or Rising sign.

Its months come from birthstone lists, not astrology. Topaz is a November birthstone, blue topaz is a birthstone for December, and in the UK it’s December’s alternative stone.

How do you choose blue topaz?

In nature topaz is usually colourless, and a strong natural blue is extremely rare. Nearly all blue topaz today is colourless topaz that has been irradiated and heated. The colour is permanent, and treated stones are the norm, so it’s fair to ask any seller how a stone got its blue.

The starting stone and the treatment decide the shade. Blue topaz is often free of visible inclusions, so look for clean beads in an even colour that match one another.

How do you care for blue topaz?

Topaz is 8 on the hardness scale, but it isn’t tough: a hard knock can chip or crack it. Clean it in warm, soapy water, never with steam or an ultrasonic cleaner. Keep it away from high heat and sudden changes in temperature, which can cause breaks inside the stone, and from chemicals, some of which can affect it slightly.

Blue topaz beads at Astrolith

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Not sure which stones are yours? Read your sky first, or design a bracelet with blue topaz.