The external nobility and dazzling shine of the London Topaz stone has won the hearts of jewelry lovers. The rich blue mineral, which can be compared to the blue of the deep sea, is rare and beautiful, and has a number of mystical and healing properties. All these qualities turn the London gem into an expensive and valuable stone, not inferior in beauty to sapphire.
Name as a brand
London Blue Topaz is one of the few minerals whose name is associated with the capital of the state. Where did it come from? There are two versions:
- blue topazes first acquired their signature color in a laboratory in the British capital;
- That’s what its “parents”—Londoners—called the stone.
In any case, the coloring is unique and is truly associated with the evening sky over Foggy Albion, hidden behind a haze.
The warmth of sunlight discolors it, but the darkness cools it, returning the stone to its original color.
The discussion about the naturalness of the London blue species revolves around the question of whether such minerals exist in nature at all or whether “London blue” is a completely man-made product. Collections and museum displays contain topazes that roughly match London blue in color.
But the term and color standard appeared after the creation of specially colored topazes and became attached to the stones as a trade and commercial brand. Among jewelers, the term London blue always means processed, that is, irradiated stones. This name does not apply to natural ones.
Color is the main exclusive feature of the stone
London blue translated from English means “London blue”. When applied to topaz, it is more accurate to talk about a dark, gray or smoky blue color. Pure blue or light blue is not typical for real topaz. Just like the brightness - the color of even a transparent stone in English is discreet, restrained. The deep blue color, complemented by a well-defined gray tint, is an invaluable quality of the stone. This is a unique characteristic; there are no other gems with this shade. The blue-gray background of the mineral is enriched by olive and greenish tints.
The color of the mineral is limited - thick blue, turning into black.
At the everyday level, London blue is confused with stones of the Swiss blue and Sky blue types, which means “Swiss blue” and “Sky blue”. But these are minerals of different saturation, and London occupies a golden mean between them. The Swiss variety has a thicker, richer background. Sky blue, as the name implies, is more “sparse.”
Mineral deposits
Topaz is a recognized Russian treasure. Colorless stones weighing up to 10 kilograms were found in large quantities in the Ilmensky, blue and yellow - in the Murzin-Adui gem belts, and bright blue, pink and crimson - in the Kochkar meganticlinorium (Southern Urals). Unfortunately, today these deposits have practically dried up, and the main volume of topaz production occurs in Brazil. Other stones are mined in Afghanistan and Germany, Norway and the USA, Namibia, Pakistan and Ukraine.
This is interesting!
For the first time in the Urals, a colorless gem was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century by the Cossack Prutov. In 1965, in Ukraine, in the mines of the Volodarsk-Volynsky pegmatite field, wine-yellow topaz weighing 117 kilograms was found. The largest finds were made in Brazil - gems weighing 5.8 tons and 238.4 kilograms.
How do you get London Blue?
The uniqueness of the London variety is that the deep blue color is created not by impurities, but by human intervention.
In nature, deep blue topaz is a very rare stone. Therefore, most blue or grayish crystals are further processed to achieve a truly “London” color. They are intensively irradiated, “bombarded” with neutrons.
Treated stones are stored in special compartments until the radiation level drops to natural levels, usually at least a year. After this, a strict security check begins. Only then do the crystals go to jewelers and everyone else. Therefore, consumers should not worry that the stone is radioactive and harmful to health.
London topaz is described as “ink” or “steel”. The depth and saturation of the color of the processed stone depend on the duration of exposure - the longer, the more “inkiness” to the detriment of the steel.
Extreme manifestations are Maxy Blue topazes. They are irradiated more than others, as a result of which they acquire a black-blue background with a sparkling dark green core. The coloring turns out mystical, but you have to pay for it.
A prolonged neutron “shower” creates persistent secondary radioactivity of the stone, the disappearance of which takes several times longer than after experiments with ordinary stones.
It is not economically profitable to produce such crystals, so Maxy Blue has become a special rare variety of London topaz.
Mystical effects of stone
It is believed that the mineral gives the owner calmness and restraint. The owner of the stone becomes reasonable and philosophical. This gives him a reputation as a sage for whom nothing is impossible. This has been the case since ancient times. But even today the magical properties of the stone have not weakened:
- Psychics and magicians practice rituals of restoring justice with Maxi Blue. They eliminate customer problems by attracting lost luck.
- The owner of a pendant with a London crystal is protected from dark forces and evil people.
- Jewelry gives superpowers in the form of intuition, clairvoyance, and invulnerability.
- London provides a brilliant career, luck in business, and financial prosperity.
- Topaz tells you what to do in an ambiguous situation, expose intrigues, and unravel mysteries.
- Under the influence of the London Crystal, people obey its master.
In the East, blue topaz is recognized as a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment.
Magic properties
Topaz stone is endowed with considerable magical properties. The main gift of the mineral to its owner is endurance, measured thought and calmness. Therefore, the semi-precious gem is recommended to be worn by hot-tempered and eccentric people. Owners of blue stone awaken a penchant for wise thinking. In addition, the London crystal has such a magical effect on a person’s life:
- protects from the eye of an ill-wisher;
- awakens the power of foresight;
- reveals intuitive abilities;
- makes a person invulnerable in the face of trouble;
- helps to reveal intrigues;
- subjugates those around him to his owner.
Medicinal qualities of topaz London
The energy of the mineral is effective in several areas.
Reproductive health
Topaz is astrally connected with the Moon, the patroness of the feminine principle. Therefore, the meaning of the stone is more noticeable for the fair half. They are guaranteed healthy, intelligent offspring, trouble-free pregnancy and easy childbirth. For men, the mineral helps improve potency.
Psychological complex
A pendant or pendant with a dark blue stone comprehensively strengthens the nervous system: relieves melancholy, normalizes sleep, and eliminates nightmares. The mineral is able to overcome schizophrenia. It is natural that this is an attribute of practical psychologists and psychotherapists.
Other areas
Lithotherapists have found that blue topaz or a product with it helps in the following cases:
- the work of internal organs is regulated;
- migraines recede;
- immunity is strengthened;
- bleeding stops;
- vision is restored;
- aging slows down;
- hypertension disappears.
There are no contraindications for wearing the stone for preventive or health purposes. A ring on the index finger of your right hand is better suited for this.
A silver pendant with topaz normalizes the functioning of the respiratory system and heals chronic diseases.
The stone protects against viral and colds, so it is recommended on the road.
Health effects
In the Middle Ages, European monarchs used topaz against poisoning : they used the stone to check the purity of drinks, believing that in the presence of poison the mineral would change its color.
Maintaining mental balance
The mineral is considered a model of calm and balance; it helps with problems with the nervous system.
Magic crystals will help get rid of stress, insomnia and bad dreams, and dispel melancholy. The stone can be spoken, adjusted in a certain way, which is why psychotherapists use it.
Application in the reproductive area
The blue mineral also affects the reproductive system of men and women. It can relieve infertility , give you healthy children, and help you forget about problems with potency.
Impact on the body in other areas
The stone is effective for respiratory diseases . People with bronchial asthma are advised to wear a pendant made of London topaz: having such a natural healer, you can forget about visits to the ENT doctor.
A blue topaz necklace around the neck helps strengthen the thyroid gland . This extraordinary stone will improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improve immunity, and help maintain visual acuity.
The healing properties of blue topaz are used for headaches associated with high blood pressure and migraines.
Blue topaz as a talisman
The positive energy of the stone led to its use as a talisman. London topaz attracts good luck to the owner, helping to solve problems. First of all, he is the patron of scientists, travelers, and business people.
- The stone develops intuition, therefore it is recommended for those whose specialization is detective, search in the broad sense of the word - scientists, criminologists, private detectives.
- Topaz helps those who intend to get to the bottom of the truth and expose the intriguers.
- The mineral has the ability to extinguish conflicts and settle disputes, so it will be useful to anyone whose career or professional success depends on other people. Businessmen will negotiate more successfully and conclude the necessary deals more easily.
- Stone is taken to an interview or casting by anyone who needs a well-paid job.
- This symbol of wisdom and harmony will help those on whose decisions the fate of a person - judges, doctors, teachers - think fairly.
- The mineral is considered a talisman for people walking the spiritual path, striving to comprehend the secrets of the universe.
- Blue topaz is taken on a sea cruise as a talisman against the vagaries of the elements.
The stone has a gentle effect on the owner, restoring emotional calm. Therefore, it will be useful to everyone who suffers from their own temper or lack of restraint.
Physicochemical characteristics
Some characteristics of “London” topaz can be compared with the physical and chemical properties of diamond. However, in some positions they differ radically.
Formula | Al2[SiO4](F,OH)2 Impurities: Fe2+, Fe3+, Ti, Cr, V |
Color | Blue, pale blue |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent |
Hardness | 8 |
Cleavage | Perfect |
Kink | Conchoidal |
Density | 3.49—3.57 g/cm³ |
How to recognize a fake?
When purchasing blue topaz, you should consider unfavorable options. Instead of an expensive stone, you can get a natural, similar in appearance, but cheap aquamarine, a glass imitation or a nano-analogue of the mineral.
London or aquamarine
An expert gemologist can immediately recognize a fake; for the average consumer, the differences are not obvious. But it’s useful to know the basic rules:
- Aquamarine is paler, lighter. The background of blue topaz is rich and deep.
- Topaz is a third heavier than aquamarine, but you can feel the difference if you hold both samples in your hands at once.
- Topaz sinks in a jewelry salt solution (only a diamond can do this).
Jewelers accurately determine the properties of minerals using a refractometer. It is portable, so you can check its authenticity right in the store.
London or Sitall
Natural London blue is popular, but labor-intensive to obtain, so technologists created the London glass ceramics. This is an artificial topaz, the nanocrystals of which can only be distinguished from the original ones by a specialist using special equipment.
Sitall is as noble in appearance as its natural counterpart. But its physical properties are better - it is stronger, indifferent to external influences, which is why we love jewelers.
London or glass
For identification, standard characteristics of a real mineral are used, which:
- takes a long time to warm up in your hands;
- worn with wool, attracts pieces of paper or hair;
- leaves scratches on crystal or quartz;
- has cracks;
- comes in muted pastel colors.
Dark and colored stones are often counterfeited because they are less common and their prices are higher.
How to care for a stone?
The rules for caring for London stone are the same as for all representatives of this species. Under the influence of the sun and other natural factors, a mineral or decoration darkens, turns gray, fades, or fades. Topaz London is contraindicated:
- interaction with abrasives, household chemicals, cosmetics;
- exposure to direct sun;
- salt or fresh water;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- falls, shocks, and other mechanical impacts.
You should not wear rings, rings or bracelets while cleaning or cooking at home. Earrings with London topaz are removed when going to the beach or taking a bath. Before a grand entrance, jewelry with a stone is worn when makeup has already been applied.
The mineral in its original form is hard, but after cutting it becomes brittle and can crack or split if dropped or hit.
Clean topaz by blotting it with a soft damp cloth, then immediately wipe it dry. If there is significant contamination, the procedure is entrusted to a specialist.
Compatibility in jewelry
One of the advantages of Blue London is its universalism. The stone looks good with many metals, from aristocratic gold and platinum to silver and newfangled titanium, the price of which is affordable. Gold will suit white, pink, red or yellow. In jewelry, the color of topaz is complemented by stones - transparent or cold in color.
Topaz jewelry in a white gold frame is given after 16 years of marriage, for a topaz wedding.
Products with topaz are suitable for everyone, you just need to choose the style of the frame depending on your gender and age. Particularly organically, the English restraint and elegance of the mineral in gold will complement the style of a business lady or a respectable businessman.
Products made of white metal, for example, silver, will decorate blondes. Brown-haired, brunette, and red-haired ladies will become more mysterious wearing topaz and yellow gold jewelry.
The stone has become super fashionable. Topaz fever with a London accent swept the world in 2014 and hasn't subsided since.
Sign compatibility
The stone in question is universal and is suitable for all zodiac symbols - this is precisely the opinion that exists among astrologers. It is better to wear jewelry with topaz as a pendant or just a talisman - this way it will retain its unique look for a long time.
At the same time, Scorpio is the zodiac sign that will benefit the most from the stone. It is extremely important for the owner of the amulet to properly care for it - only in this case will London topaz help in full force. The beneficial effects for Scorpios are numerous. The talisman, in particular:
• attracts good luck; • improves mood; • builds relationships with loved ones and colleagues; • promotes peace in the family.
How much does London blue cost?
The cost of a stone depends on several factors:
- naturalness;
- color saturation;
- size;
- purity;
- cut quality.
The price per carat for ordinary crystals starts from $10–20, reaching $730–740 for exclusive specimens. Slightly cheaper than the London variety of Swiss blue and Sky blue topazes.
London is the most expensive of the blue topazes, but the price for bright red, pink, green or wine specimens is even higher. The price is also determined by the amount of renovation costs.
Application area
London Topaz stone is widely used in jewelry.
The processed product is distinguished by a unique blue tint, which has found an ideal combination with platinum and gold. By inserting a stone into bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, jewelers receive extremely expensive jewelry, distinguished by its beauty, value and uniqueness, because each gem is truly unique! Using this breed, amulets and talismans are made that bring good luck, happiness, prosperity and love. Using such expensive trinkets, modern psychics and magicians, sorcerers and fortune tellers, perform unique rituals that can restore secret justice, eliminate people’s life problems, return their destiny and natural luck.
A large number of natural and artificial blue topazes can be seen at various exhibitions, private collections, and museums. In some countries they are used in architecture, decorating majestic palaces and temples with gems.
Topaz London and Zodiac
London Blue radiates calmness and embodies wisdom. This quality makes the stone suitable for any sign.
The energy of the mineral is close to Scorpios, Pisces, Cancers. He will calm these water signs, help them manage their personal power rationally, and overcome emotional negativity.
- According to the horoscope, the favorite of the stone is Scorpio. London will help ladies avoid extremes when making decisions and restore the internal balance of power. In men, it will enhance charisma and give prudence. It will make young people, especially girls, more confident in any environment.
- For Cancer, wearing the mineral will entail defining clear plans for life and their rapid implementation.
- Among those who are suitable for a dark blue stone are Pisces. They will maintain optimism and attractiveness, strengthen psychological and physiological health, and gain spiritual harmony.
- It is better for down-to-earth Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn to wear the gem on special occasions. The crystal will sharpen their intuition, awaken the gift of clairvoyance, and such curiosity must be restrained, otherwise troubles are inevitable.
- Topaz will protect Taurus from dark forces, stabilize the internal mood, clarifying and harmonizing the mind.
- For the zodiac sign Libra, the stone will help restore love and friendship and recharge with positivity. They will become more successful and socially stable.
- For Sagittarius, topaz will help concentrate energy on the main thing and cope with natural impulsiveness. Once they set a worthy goal, they will achieve it easier and faster than they imagined.
It is said that London Blue wearers attract attention more often than those wearing diamonds. Therefore, it is worth buying an aristocratic stone to feel yourself at a new level.