When it comes to gemstone colors, the varying hues of blue are unbeatable! From deep, dark tones to light, luminous shades, gemstones can come in a large assortment of blues. The attractiveness and demand for blue jewelry are easily recognizable and hard to deny. We can’t get enough of the versatility of blue gemstones. They look wonderful in any jewelry form! Here are some of the most popular and exhilarating blue-hued gemstones.
Sapphire
These beautiful gemstones are known for their deep blue hue. The September birthstone belongs to the corundum family of gemstones, which also includes rubies. Sapphires can appear in almost every color but are most commonly blue. This royal blue gemstone symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness and has frequently been associated with romance as well. Using the term “royal” to describe the hue of this ring isn't just in reference to its color. One of the most famous sapphire pieces is Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement rings! Hence the correlation with the word nobility.
Topaz
Topaz stones are available in an especially wide range of colors. This stone is pleochroic, which means it can show an array of various hues when viewed from different angles. A naturally occurring blue topaz is rare to find. On the other hand, a colorless topaz is easily accessible and is commonly used to give a blue hue to the gemstone. This is why the stone can appear in a variety of blues ranging from an icy, pale hue to a deep, saturated shade. This particular blue topaz is the birthstone for December and is one of the most sought after gemstones. Topaz is often viewed as the stone of love and loyalty. More specifically, a blue topaz symbolizes clarity, honesty, and strong emotional connection.
Tanzanite
Tanzanites are a somewhat recently discovered gemstone. They were only first identified in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro. This monumental landmark is the only place where tanzanites can be found. The color of this gemstone is caught between a blue and violet hue. Similar to topaz, the tanzanite is pleochroic. When shown from different angles and in various lighting, the stone gives off distinct colors ranging from a violet-blue to blue-violet. A year after its initial discovery in the 60s, Tiffany’s & Co. gave the stone the name tanzanite and ran a campaign introducing it to the public. Tanzanites immediately became an immensely desirable stone and are still highly sought after today. These stones are one of the birthstones for December and are known for symbolizing calmness and communication.
Aquamarine
As its name presumes, the term aquamarine derives from the Latin words for seawater. This name is quite fitting as the stone’s transparent blue hue is comparable to the cool ocean water. Aquamarine is a color variation of Beryl, a rare mineral that is also used for emeralds. In relation to its name and coloring, this March birthstone is seen as a good luck charm and was believed to settle harsh waves at sea to keep sailors out of harm. The refreshing light blue gemstone is also said to bring happiness to marriages.
If you’re looking to add blue gemstones to your collection, these four gemstones are a perfect place to start! The alluring colors of each one are more beautiful than the last and wearing any of them is sure to catch wandering eyes. Whether you’re drawn to these stones for their hues, birthstone month, or believed spiritual properties, the beauty of each one is apparent!