Blue topaz has been prized for its beautiful blue color for centuries. But is this vivid blue gem actually an official birthstone for any month? Let's take a look at the history and lore around blue topaz to find out if it qualifies as a true birthstone.
The traditional list of modern birthstones was established by the Jewelry Industry Council in 1912. This list named a single birthstone for each month, such as pearl for June and ruby for July. It was later amended to include additional gems as alternate birthstones. For example, sapphire was added as a second option for September.
What is Blue Topaz?
Topaz is a gemstone composed of silicate minerals. It forms in a variety of colors, but the most prized and popular shades are blue. Blue topaz gems can exhibit light sky blue, swiss blue, or vivid deep blue hues. The intensity of color depends on how the raw topaz was treated. Most blue topaz in jewelry has been enhanced in color during processing.
Topaz ranks an 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, so blue topaz jewelry can be worn on a daily basis. This durability, along with the stone's beauty and affordability, makes it a favorite for jewelry designers and consumers alike. High quality blue topaz has excellent clarity and a strikingly brilliant shine when faceted.
Is Blue Topaz a December Birthstone?
December claims blue topaz as one of its three official birthstone options, along with turquoise and tanzanite. The alternate birthstone list first added tanzanite as a second December stone in 2002. Blue topaz was also later designated as a third option for this icy winter month.
Some astrologers associate the cool, airy blue shades of topaz with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which falls partly in December. The vivid blue gemstone is believed to impart clarity of mind and spiritual vision upon those born in this month. Its blue tones evoke icy winter and suit the cold season of December.
Before these modern birthstone assignments, blue topaz was traditionally linked to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius in ancient Persian, Hindu, and Russian birthstone lists. These older traditions help support December's modern claim on blue topaz as an official birthstone choice.
How to Wear Blue Topaz Jewelry
Whether you're born in December or simply love the look of blue topaz, you can find many lovely ways to wear this gem. Rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings showcasing the distinctive blue sparkle of topaz make beautiful and affordable birthstone jewelry gifts. For those born in December, blue topaz birthstone jewelry is a great way to celebrate your month all year round.
Blue topaz also pairs wonderfully with other December birthstones like turquoise and tanzanite. Combining blue topaz with additional gemstones allows you to get creative and make personalized December birthstone stacks and sets. Mixing different shades of blue and blue-green in your jewelry is a stunning way to display the diverse options for December.
So if you're looking for a gift for a December birthday, blue topaz is a marvelous option as an official birthstone for this winter month. The icy blue sparkle of a topaz pendant, ring, or earrings will delight anyone born in the latter part of the year.
