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When looking for vibrant blue gemstones, topaz and aquamarine are the two most popular and common options. Which you buy will depend on a variety of things, including your price range and the richness of color you're seeking. A high quality topaz gem is fully translucent, and usually has a tinge of yellow, brown or orange lending it an amber tone. True, natural blue or pink topaz are extremely rare, and when found in jewelry stores have typically undergone heat treatment to create the color. The actual stone will look like a crystal, with several facets. Aquamarine, however, is naturally a translucent blue, although they can range from fully transparent to a rich blue-green and rarely light pink. The stone should have a hexagonal structure which resembles its cousin the emerald. When examining a topaz, examine it under different light sources. A blue topaz should be inspected in natural light, whereas other colors should be viewed under bright bulbs. A transparent topaz should be extremely clear, with few imperfections visible under bright light. Because many topaz stones have been treated to produce color, beware of stones that are relatively inexpensive. Less scrupulous dealers will present a color treated quartz as a true topaz. Many jewelers also offer a "gold topaz", which is the less expensive citrine stone, so it is important to verify the stone you're purchasing is truly topaz. A high quality aquamarine should be extremely clear in any light source, with no visible imperfections or cloudiness. The larger the stone, the clearer and more radiant it will appear. Avoid stones with any visible inclusions, as the most popular cuts make aquamarine more prone to cracking or breaking. With both stones, the selection will depend upon what you can afford and why you're purchasing it. Yellow topaz can be given as a gift for November birthdays and blue topaz is a modern stone for December birthdays. It is also a traditional fourth wedding anniversary gift. Topaz is also popular for mystical beliefs that it brings calmness, happiness and protection. Aquamarine is much less expensive than topaz, so larger, more stunning stones can be purchased for similar prices. It should also be given preference if you're looking for a naturally light blue stone. It is one of the birthstones for March, and is considered an appropriate gift for a nineteenth wedding anniversary. For women, aquamarine's flattering delicate color and structure make it a worldwide favorite. Unfortunately, most popular gem stones are subject to lab recreations or quartz substitutes. These stand-ins are very hard to identify by the naked eye. Unless the purchaser in an expert in identifying gems, both stones must be lab tested to conclusively prove their authenticity, and should be purchased from a reputable, honest jeweler.
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