Aquamarine Or Blue Topaz – How To Tell Them Apart?

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Have you ever seen the movie ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ and heard the line, ‘It’s a blue diamond, it’s not like it doesn’t mean anything.’ Well, what does that even mean? The difference between an aquamarine and a blue topaz might seem miniscule to some, but to gem enthusiasts and experts, these two gems are worlds apart.

Aquamarine and blue topaz are two stones that are so similar in colour and clarity that it can be a challenge to tell the difference. However, there are some basic differences that can help you make this distinction. These differences are not difficult to notice, so a trained eye can definitely help you make the right choice.

Refraction Pattern

The main difference between an aquamarine and a blue topaz lies in the way they show their refraction lines. An aquamarine has a weak refraction pattern while a blue topaz has a strong refraction pattern. Unlike an aquamarine, a blue topaz will display a more intense refraction line. You can check the refraction line of a stone by holding it at an angle. The double refraction lines will appear on a stone that has been treated with chemicals or other materials. You can easily tell the difference by examining the refraction properties of each stone.

Differences In Colour

Another difference between an aquamarine and a blue topaz is colour. Both stones are blue. The aquamarine is greenish blue, while a blue topaz is a bright blue. The two stones differ in hue, so it’s not difficult to spot a stone of either type. The colour of an aquamarine will be paler on one side and deep blue on the other. This is because aquamarine is naturally coloured, while a blue topaz is artificially coloured.

The colour of aquamarine is more vivid, and the quality of its colour is very important. While aquamarine is the most common stone, it also comes in various shades of blue. A seafoam green or bluish green is an example and is highly desirable and is considered to be expensive. Among the finest examples of this precious stone is the natural aquamarine gemstone from Certified Diamond Network.

The blue topaz is rarer and more expensive than the aquamarine, but the difference in the two stones’ colour is not always noticeable. You can see if a stone is an aquamarine by its smoky green hue. It will not be transparent and will require a dimmer light to see any inclusions. If you can’t tell which one is which, then it is an aquamarine.

Other Differences

While an aquamarine is the more commonly found stone, a blue topaz is an uncommon gemstone. A natural aquamarine will have great clarity and cool to the touch. It will also be larger and heavier than an equivalent sized blue topaz.

Image Source: Unsplash

When it comes to aquamarine and blue topaz, there is often a lot of confusion about the two stones. Many people believe that they are one and the same, but this is not the case. Aquamarine and blue topaz may both be shades of blue, but they have very different properties. If you’re looking for a beautiful blue gemstone, you might be wondering whether to choose aquamarine or blue topaz. Both are lovely, but they have some key differences. The differences mentioned above should help you choose which is right for you.

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