London topaz: a stone of mystics and jewelers, properties of royal topaz, who is suitable according to their sign

London topaz - physical properties

In terms of its chemical composition, natural topaz is a fluorine-containing aluminum silicate with an admixture of titanium, iron or chromium. Natural topazes are colored in transparent, golden, yellow, red, pink and cherry shades.

The name of the stone is translated from Latin as “fire” or “flame”. Blue topazes are rare. The presence of defects in the crystal lattice allows one to obtain unusual shades of stone under laboratory conditions under the influence of high temperatures, of which the London blue brand is the most popular.

Rules of care

It must be worn with extreme caution, as the mineral is very sensitive to external influences, which can cause it to darken, fade or turn gray. The following are contraindicated for him:

• treatment with cleaning agents, abrasives, cosmetics;
• exposure to direct sunlight;
• sudden change in temperature;
• washing in fresh or salt water;
• mechanical impact - shocks, falls, etc.

Do not wear London Blue when going to the beach or other places where you plan to have water treatments. Remove rings, bracelets, and rings when cooking, cleaning the house, or while gardening.

Remember that after cutting the gem becomes fragile, so it must be taken care of, “walking” it only on especially important occasions.

If it is slightly dirty, blot the amulet with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. If you are afraid of ruining it or can’t handle it yourself, contact a specialist.

London Blue - mineral colors

London blue topaz is a deep blue gemstone with a glassy or metallic sheen. To make it, minerals of the following shades are used.

• Pink. The chemical composition of the stone contains a high content of manganese, due to which the mineral acquires a shade from soft pink to cherry inclusions.
• Blue. The high oxygen content in the chemical formula allows the stone to be refined, turning it into one of the brightest representatives of the London blue brand.
• Colorless. The absence of foreign impurities makes this variety the most valuable for obtaining refined London blue topaz.
• From yellow to brown. Stones of these shades are used extremely rarely.
• Smoky grey. These gems produce London blue topazes with a beautiful steely tint.

What does the cost consist of?

According to the gemological classification of Evgeniy Yakovlevich Kievlenko, natural topaz is included in III jewelry stones.

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The price of gems of this class ranges from 80–300 dollars per carat . However, for one carat of London blue today they ask for from 20 to 2000 dollars, and the price shows no sign of falling. Why such a difference?

Not every colorless topaz will turn into London blue . Plus, the price of the blue stone includes other costs:

• mineral irradiation;
• heat treatment;
• further exposure to achieve acceptable background radiation.

The increased popularity of the stone and the depletion of its natural reserves have led to the fact that real London topaz is not so often found in jewelry stores. Synthetic spinel of a similar shade may be sold under the guise of London blue.

ATTENTION! According to the law, it is not necessary to indicate information about the stone in jewelry (the deposit or the method of refining).

Technology for obtaining London blue stone

Processing of stones to obtain characteristic color and characteristics is carried out in two stages.

1. Radiation exposure. The material is treated with a directed neutron flux, after which it is placed in special boxes and kept until the radiation background drops to an acceptable level that is safe for humans. Stones can withstand for at least one year.
2. Heat treatment. Topazes of three popular shades are obtained under the influence of high temperatures over a long period of time.

INTERESTING!

In the process of refining semi-precious stones, manufacturers experimented for a long time with the frequency and intensity of radiation irradiation of the source material, used chemical reagents and changed the temperature and duration of heat treatment.

The result was the emergence of three main varieties of refined topaz:

• Sky Blue. Stones of a “natural” soft blue hue, high transparency, with a characteristic glass luster.
• Swiss Blue. Gems of bright blue or gray-blue color, the starting material for which is raw materials from Switzerland, Ukraine, Namibia, Australia, Japan.
• London Blue. Topaz is deep blue. They are made from high quality blue topaz. The most valuable and expensive of ennobled stones.

How to get London blue

Often people, when they see a blue gem for the first time, ask what kind of stone it is, whether it is natural or not, and how it is mined.

London topazes are based on colorless minerals from deposits in Brazil and Namibia . Samples are exposed to radiation and subsequent heat treatment. After topaz is exposed to a neural flow, it needs to rest for about another year in special containers so that the radioactive background becomes maximum permissible.

IMPORTANT! Only after repeated checks is London Blue topaz released into the world.

More intense radioactive irradiation of natural colorless topaz led to the appearance of a dark to black color with a greenish tint. These stones are called Maxy Blue.

But long-term treatment with a neutron flux increased the period of decrease in the radioactive background, and its duration was variable and difficult to predict, which is why the experiments to obtain it were completed, and London blue became the absolute master of the market.

Real copy or fake?

Natural gems are assessed according to the following criteria:

1. Physical properties of minerals

• Color
• Stroke color
• Shine
• Mineral hardness
• Cleavage
• Kink
• Density (specific gravity)

1. Special properties of minerals

• Optical properties (tarnish, iridescence, transparency, birefringence, glow, luminescence)
• Mechanical properties (magneticity, brittleness, ductility, flexibility)

Due to its high cost, London Blue is often counterfeited: glass stones, aquamarines, painted quartz or glass are inserted into jewelry.

Sittal topaz

Technically, glass-ceramics are glass-crystalline materials - stones artificially grown in laboratory conditions. They are obtained by the method of bulk crystallization of Al2O3 and SiO2. Depending on the pigment and components, glass ceramics are endowed with various properties: mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals, transparency, color, heat resistance and others.

The hardness of most glass ceramics is 6.5-7 Mohs units, while topaz has a hardness of 8.0. The chemical composition of glass ceramics is almost identical to natural topaz, so gemological examination is indispensable.

Aquamarines

Aquamarines have a light blue, bluish-green, greenish-blue or blue-gray tint. The hardness of the gem on the Mohs scale is 7.5-8.0. There are two main differences between aquamarine and topaz: density and refractive index.

The density of the former is 2.67-2.71 g/cm3, while for topaz this figure is 3.5 g/cm3. To check, a high-density saline solution is used: any gems with the exception of topazes do not sink in it. For this property, even in ancient Rus', the stone began to be called a heavyweight or a passer.

The second characteristic difference between gems is the refractive index, 1.577–1.583 for aquamarine and 1.609–1.643 for topaz. A special refractometer device allows you to measure these indicators. Visually, faceted topaz is distinguished by a brighter and more expressive play of color when light hits the face of the stone.

Quartz

One of the varieties of quartz - rock crystal - has been tinted in different colors so that inserts from it are difficult to distinguish not only from topaz, but also from other semi-precious stones. Hardness will help you distinguish colored quartz - it is 7 units on the Mohs scale or the color of the line. It is determined by scratching the mineral onto the rough white surface of the porcelain. Topaz leaves no traces.

Glass

Tempered tinted glass very skillfully imitates London Blue, but even the hardest sample has a Mohs scale rating of no higher than 5. What to do if you don’t have special equipment at hand?

Description of the stone

London Blue Topaz is a trade and commercial brand. There are natural stones that have similar colors. But jewelers apply the term London Blue only to natural crystals colored artificially. They have a smoky blue or gray-blue hue, never found in nature. Under certain lighting, the blue of the jewel turns to black.

The color saturation depends on the duration of irradiation with which London topaz is obtained. Short-term irradiation gives a steely tint, and long-term irradiation gives it an inky tint.

How to spot a fake

When purchasing jewelry with London Blue, you can verify the authenticity of the stone using “folk” methods.

1. Tactile sensations. The natural gem does not heat up in your hands. Its weight is almost three times the weight of any imitative inserts.
2. Visual assessment. The rich color and slightly muted glass shine of ennobled stone compares favorably with glass imitations. London Blue in light shades is usually not counterfeited. The absence of small inclusions and barely noticeable cracks most often serves as an indicator of a fake.
3. Hardness. London Blue leaves scratches on glass surfaces.
4. Electrification. If London Blue is rubbed with a woolen cloth, it will attract paper or thread.
5. The seller has certificates of quality and authenticity of the goods.

When purchasing exclusive expensive jewelry, it is recommended to use the services of a specialist appraiser who can check the authenticity of the inserts on the spot.

Application area

London gem is widely used in the jewelry industry. The processed jewelry has a unique bluish color and goes well with gold, platinum, and silver. Jewelers produce semi-precious items by inserting stones into bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants. Amulets and talismans for good luck and happiness are widely made using English crystal. At exhibitions, in private collections, and museums you can see a lot of natural and artificial blue topazes. In many countries they decorate palaces and temples.

London topaz - medicinal properties

One of the types of alternative medicine, lithotherapy, endowed natural and refined semi-precious gems with healing properties back in the Middle Ages. I recommend wearing London Blue topazes as protection against poisoning and colds. The healing properties of the stone are attributed to the ability to regenerate tissue, restore the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, the function of the kidneys, liver, spleen, and digestive organs.

Jewelry with London Blue has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. Jewelry with the London “Prince” stabilizes the mental and psychological state of the owner, minimizes the effects of stress, restores peace of mind, and helps with insomnia and nervous exhaustion.

London topaz in a ring is recommended for men to wear on the index finger of their right hand - it will protect against infections, restore the functions of the genitourinary system, reduce nervous tension, relieve fears and self-doubt.

For women, a blue “doctor” inserted into a pendant or earrings will allow you to get pregnant safely and help during childbirth. It will save you from migraines, headaches, unreasonable fears, anxiety, vision problems and diseases of internal organs.

Therapeutic properties of the mineral

This natural stone has a whole range of therapeutic properties. The use of the mineral helps achieve the following results:

• facilitate childbirth in women;
• improve the functioning of internal organs;
• normalize sleep;
• activate the functions of the immune system;
• rejuvenate the skin;
• protect the body from viruses.

Lithotherapists consider topaz a universal stone. It can be worn by men, women and children. It is important to choose the right decoration.

Londin Blue - the magic of stone

Esotericists attribute to the blue “prince” the ability to maintain an optimistic mood of the owner; the stone gives joy and peace, eliminates anger and hatred, awakens wisdom and attracts material wealth. For women, the topaz talisman will bring beauty and attractiveness, reward it with male attention and help build harmonious relationships with members of the opposite sex. For men, such an amulet will help them make the right decision in any situation, protect them from making the wrong choice, help them establish relationships with others, and give them wisdom and confidence in their abilities.

As an amulet, the crystal is suitable for people of the following professions:

1. Esotericists, philosophers, psychologists. The amulet gives intuition, the gift of foresight and clairvoyance. Helps solve riddles, reveal secrets, reveal intrigues and lies. Protects against damage, the evil eye, and negative information flows.
2. Businessmen, entrepreneurs, managers. The topaz amulet will protect you from ill-wishers, help subjugate the will of those around you, and endow you with leadership qualities and a powerful character. Promotes career advancement, increases wealth, improves financial situation, and attracts good luck.
3. People of creative professions (actors, singers, artists, etc.). The talisman enhances qualities such as charm and attractiveness, attracts fans, reveals the facets of talent, and guides you on your life and creative path. Positively affects creative thinking, helps to find a Muse or source of inspiration.
4. Travellers, sailors, explorers. The stone promotes the development of favorable conditions along the way, is a guiding star, and pacifies storms and storms.
5. Knowledge workers (teachers, writers, journalists, historians, scientists, etc.). Wearing topazes stimulates brain function, reduces fatigue and increases endurance.
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The wisdom and intuition given by a semiprecious rock set in precious metal will also help those whose activities are related to deciding the destinies of others: investigators, criminologists, judges, spiritual leaders, and doctors can wear topazes. Esotericists endow the blue “prince” with the ability to fulfill the cherished desires of its owner.

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.

1. 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.
2. Topaz helps those who intend to get to the bottom of the truth and expose the intriguers.
3. 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.
4. Stone is taken to an interview or casting by anyone who needs a well-paid job.
5. This symbol of wisdom and harmony will help those on whose decisions a person’s fate depends—judges, doctors, teachers—to think fairly.
6. The mineral is considered a talisman for people walking the spiritual path, striving to comprehend the secrets of the universe.
7. 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.

London Blue and zodiac signs

The favorites of the heavyweight are traditionally considered to be water signs: Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer . An amulet or decoration with a blue “prince” for Scorpios has a positive effect on character: it extinguishes outbursts of anger and irritability, and protects against conflicts and unpleasant situations. Promotes the development of intuition, wisdom, a positive attitude, gives peace of mind, helps to identify liars and ill-wishers among others.

For Cancers , topaz amulets will give you self-confidence, get rid of excessive touchiness, improve relationships with others, help you find energy for global projects and direct it in the right direction.

The gem gives Pisces optimism, determination, and inner harmony. Among this zodiac sign, the percentage of representatives of creative professions is highest, so jewelry and talismans with London Blue topaz will help get rid of other people's influence, develop intuition, help adapt to any environment and find the best ways out of difficult situations.

Other signs of the Zodiac are not prohibited from wearing the mineral: vain Leos will receive help in building a dizzying career, suspicious Virgos will be able to pacify an unstable emotional background, changeable Gemini and Libra will be more rational about spending money, will be able to improve their financial situation and will learn to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Capricorns, Sagittarius and Aries will be able to build harmonious family relationships, find their soul mate and learn to avoid reckless mistakes and actions done in the heat of the moment.

For Taurus, wearing topaz is contraindicated. Representatives of this sign have good intuition, hard work, patience, perseverance, practicality and innate worldly wisdom. Wearing a topaz amulet can have the opposite effect, enhancing the worst aspects of Taurus.

Contraindicated for whom

Unfortunately, not all zodiac signs can acquire this rare gift of nature.

Topaz does not tolerate weak-willed and vulnerable representatives of the zodiac circle.

Therefore, it is better for Aquarius and Taurus to avoid dark blue stones, preferring pink shades.

London Blue can destroy the family idyll of Taurus and drive him to madness, having discovered a “weakness”.

And dreamy Aquarius will get along well with pink crystals, which will bring peace and peace of mind to their owner, and will also renew faded love.

Other signs can safely wear jewelry, but only with good thoughts and good intentions, otherwise the mineral will lose its magic.

Jewelry

Faceted London Blue pairs perfectly with other gems and minerals. The crystals are framed in gold of all shades, platinum, titanium or silver. Jewelry stores offer a wide range of rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, sets, rings, necklaces, pendants and watches with topaz. Among the many forms, there are products of all price categories - from economy class to exclusive handmade items.

The most popular combination is London Blue framed with transparent diamonds or cubic zirconia. The iridescent sheen of cool, clear stones highlights the understated elegance of deep blue.

Silver jewelry is given to young girls or men. Business ladies and respectable businessmen are suitable for discreet, English-style, strict frames made of white gold or platinum. Light frames made of precious metal look spectacular and unforgettable on platinum and natural blondes, emphasizing the aristocratic beauty and elegance of the images. Red and yellow gold favorably emphasizes the appearance of brown-haired women, brunettes and red-haired women: warm shades look exclusive and expensive, they are more suitable for evening looks and social events. Aristocratic, discreet London Blue is suitable for both men and women of any age category, the main thing is to choose the appropriate frame and shape of the product.

Jewelry with stone

The color of the irradiated mineral is universal. It goes perfectly with all types of frames - silver, yellow or white gold, platinum. London Blue is suitable for creating any jewelry, but it looks best in rings and pendants.

The sober coloring makes London Blue a universal accessory.

It suits women of any color type - blondes, brunettes, brown-haired women. Men will not refuse the blue stone either - they will like cufflinks or tie clips.

The only clarification is that the product is worn in the evening with appropriate outfits (long dresses, formal suits). During the day, London Blue looks less favorable, and sunlight is harmful to it. But at a special event or a romantic date, the stone will show all its beauty.

How to care for stone and products made from it

Like the natural mineral, London topaz is afraid of sunlight. The color fades in bright sunshine, so the jewelry should not be worn in sunny weather. Jewelry should be protected from exposure to household chemicals and sudden temperature changes.

The product can be cleaned in soapy water without any chemicals. Dry with a soft cloth.

In addition to the decoration video:

London topaz price

The cost of London blue is calculated based on a number of characteristics:

• naturalness;
• color saturation;
• size;
• purity;
• cut quality.

The price for London Swiss blue and Sky blue starts from 10 dollars per carat, for London blue from 15 to 20. The maximum rate per carat for London blue is 750-800 dollars. The cost of the stones is added to the cost of the setting and design of the jewelry.

INTERESTING!

Despite the fact that the price of London blue topazes is quite high, stones of natural shades are significantly higher. An imperial in pink, red or burgundy will cost between $500 and $4,000 per carat. Yellow, straw or gold heavyweight will cost from 25 to 100 dollars per carat.

Price and favorable time to buy

The cost of London topaz is high. This is explained by the labor intensity of its production and the limited number of produced crystals. The price per carat of jewelry starts from $500. Products made from it are even more expensive, since the mineral is usually set in precious metals.

Traditionally, a favorable time for purchasing topaz jewelry is the first ten days of the lunar month. However, this does not really matter with the London Jewel, since it is not completely natural.

London Blue is a natural mineral with an artificial night sky color. It is used to create original jewelry, the cost of which is quite high. They have gained popularity even among Hollywood stars.

Do you have jewelry with London topaz? Share your stories in the comments, tell your friends on social networks about the article.

Extraction and manufacturing

Natural gems are mined from the famous deposits of South America - Diamantina and Ouro Preto. In addition, semi-precious stones are intensively mined in Volyn in Ukraine. Topaz deposits there were discovered in the recent 19th century.

Gems of transparent and bluish shades are also available in the Urals. Moreover, sometimes the stones reached a weight of 30 kg. The CIS countries are today the main suppliers of crystals after South America.

Blue Thalas Crystals

Initially, “London” topaz is a natural mineral that has a bluish or grayish tint. Previously, stones of such an interesting color were found in the Urals or in the Swiss Alps. But, unfortunately, gems of such beauty are found less and less often.

Therefore, the London master discovered an interesting technology, thanks to which it is possible to obtain a deep color of the stone. That is, naturally pale topazes acquire greater color depth artificially. The method of creating an interesting shade lies in the use of neutrons - they pre-irradiate the stone.

A gem that has undergone this treatment is stored in a special chamber for more than a year. There, throughout the entire time, the radiation level gradually decreases to a safe level. After this, the “London” topaz is subjected to careful, repeated testing to ensure that it is absolutely safe for humans. And only after this the gem comes into the hands of a skilled jeweler.

Important: due to the high popularity of the gem, scientists were able to develop a technology for the production of an artificial crystal called London ceramic glass. It is exactly like London Blue topaz.

Production and deposits

London Blue is a natural gem that, under the influence of radioactive radiation, acquired a rich blue color. Topazes with similar colors exist in nature, but this term applies exclusively to artificially colored specimens.

Colorless topaz (bottom right) grown on a polychrome tourmaline crystal. Afghanistan

The basis for obtaining London Blue topaz are colorless samples of natural origin. They are mined in Germany, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Pakistan, USA, Namibia, Great Britain and Sri Lanka. In Russia, deposits of colorless stones are located in the Ilmen Mountains.

Sagittarius birthstones by date of birth

To more accurately select a stone for Sagittarius, you need to know his date of birth. Each decade has its own lucky minerals. We recommend suitable stones for Sagittarius by date of birth:

From November 23 to December 2

Sagittarians born during this period are under the tutelage of Mercury. Their life credo is to fight injustice, constantly seek the truth, and protect the weak. The most useful stones for these Sagittarius will be: quartz, tiger's eye, bloody jasper.

From 3 to 12 December

For Sagittarius born during this period, it is very important to learn to live with their mood swings, curb their emotions, and not get bogged down in their own fantasies. For Sagittarius of the second decade, the following are recommended: turquoise, hairy, onyx, opal, chalcedony.

From 13 to 21 December

Sagittarians of the third decade are very fond of beautiful life in all its manifestations. They like delicious food, expensive jewelry, and designer furniture. The following stones are most suitable for such Sagittarius: topaz, emerald, chrysolite, zircon.

Is topaz suitable for a Sagittarius woman?

Topaz for a Sagittarius woman will be a wonderful amulet that protects her from stupidity and frivolity. By the way, take a look at the article on how to win a Sagittarius girl.

Instead, the mineral is able to give our heroine additional energy to achieve good goals, to gain social success and independence.

In the old days, a girl with a ring or earrings decorated with topaz was perceived as “noble and generous.” And if today you add to these jewelry a necklace interspersed with blue stones (blue topaz is most suitable for Sagittarius), then you will certainly be awarded another epithet - “charming”.

For a Sagittarius woman, Topaz can become a very powerful talisman that helps her in life. But at the same time, it will always remain a wonderful decoration that emphasizes her beauty and individuality. Like this - “Two birds with one stone...”

Talisman stones for Sagittarius men

The following stones are recommended:

Amethyst is the best stone for a Sagittarius man who is engaged in intellectual work. The mineral will help you absorb information faster and more productively, sort it into shelves, so that you can then usefully apply it in life. The energy of amethyst will ward off envious people, of whom successful Sagittarius has more than enough. The most interesting thing is that your best friend can become an envious person, from whom you don’t even expect a dirty trick.

Obsidian - the body of a Sagittarius man experiences enormous stress. It is a very difficult task to support the whole family, work for three people, and on weekends constantly look for new ways to earn even more. This can damage your health. Obsidian energy will help strengthen vitality. For hot-tempered men, obsidian will help pacify their rage, which will protect them from various troubles. The stone sharpens the entrepreneurial spirit and helps to be a leader. Obsidian preserves and improves a man's reproductive health. Tourmaline is a stone that enhances the attractiveness of men, adds health, and significantly increases energy for finding a life partner. A man wearing a tourmaline bracelet will have an improved complexion and his skin will become silky.

Chrysolite - if you feel that a nervous breakdown is close, everything annoys you, then we recommend that you wear any amulet made of chrysolite. The stone stabilizes mood, calms a person, and protects his emotional state from irritants.