Sponsored Content
BUSINESS NEWS - For beginners, it’s always a wise choice to do detailed research before spending big bucks on gemstones. Articles like these are where you can get the information you need.
Making an informed decision will always keep you on the safe side. Here we’ll be focusing on two gemstones; sapphire and topaz.
London Blue Topaz vs Blue Sapphire: Know Them Better:
Topaz
An unrefined topaz is naturally yellow or golden brown. This characteristic often confuses individuals about the value of the stone. That is because it resembles a cheaper gemstone called citrine.
Topaz is made up of aluminium and fluorine. The crystals of topaz are mainly prismatic. They have pyramidal or other faces. London blue topaz is typically produced by exposure to radiation in a nuclear reactor. When topaz is exposed to fast neutrons, the radiation changes the colour centers, producing the deep blue colour. Subsequent heat treatment is often used to lighten the inky colour. The colour is permanent and will not fade.
Topaz is the fourth hardest natural mineral. It rates at 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness making them a wonderful choice for engagement rings. Among other silicate minerals, topaz is the hardest as well.
Topaz’s hardness and transparency make them very suitable for gemstone carvings, jewellery or to be sold as engraved gems.
Like sapphire, topaz also has the possibility of being produced synthetically.
Sapphire
Sapphire is one of the most precious gemstones an individual can possess. This natural stone is a variety of corundum. However, other elements such as titanium, chromium, magnesium, vanadium and iron are also traced in the stone.
Most commonly, natural sapphires are finely cut and polished to be turned into the most stunning jewellery pieces. In addition to that, sapphires can be made synthetically as well.
What is striking about sapphire is their hardness. They rate at 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This trait makes them the third hardest stone after diamonds and moissanites.
This is the reason sapphires are also used for non-ornamental reasons. These applications include highly durable windows, wristwatch dials, infrared optical components, etc.
You might also be interested in colourful gemstones for sale
Topaz vs Sapphire: Comparison
While sapphire is one of the rarest types of stones like emerald and ruby, topaz is quite commonly found in nature. Geologists can find it in flawless crystals. These are later refined into giant gemstones, and they weigh thousands of topaz carats.
Similar to topaz, as mentioned earlier, both these stones are very hard. This trait makes both topaz and sapphire highly durable gemstones.
Additionally, topaz’s mineral components make it impossible for the stone to be dissolved in chemical solvents.
However, one negative characteristic of topaz is that this gemstone is highly prone to chipping. If individuals do not take care of the stone carefully, topaz can easily be subjected to different flaws.
Topaz has a good cleavage (the ability to break) which makes it easier for jewellers while refining the stone. But it also means this gemstone is high maintenance.
Sapphire, a type of corundum mineral, is very difficult to damage. It would take quite a hard bump on your ring to see visible damage. The property of sapphires makes them withstand a melting point of about 900 Celcius. With a reputable toughness, sapphire can break like an ice cube if it is subjected to torching.
Topaz vs Sapphire: Pricing
The colour of sapphire is a strong point used when estimating the prices of this gemstone. While the hue counts, the price is also dependent on the purity of sapphires.
Dark toned sapphires never have high values, whereas highly saturated ones come at a high cost. Other than that, synthetic sapphire is cheaper than natural sapphire.
Because sapphires are a type of corundum, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny when purchasing the gemstone or sapphire jewellery.
Topaz, on the other hand, is very common. The pricing of this gemstone also depends on its clarity and tones.
Imperial topaz is the most valuable topaz. If you wish you purchase cheaper topaz, you can buy a less refined topaz stone with dark brown tones.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are purchasing sapphire or topaz for investment or your own jewellery collection, both gemstones are recommended by geologists. If you wish to make a profit in the market, you should buy the most refined sapphire or topaz. However, sapphire jewellery gains more attention than topaz jewellery.
Often, topaz is used for personal, collective items like decorative items or engraved collective items. These are more affordable than refined topaz stones. Either choice is beneficial, but sapphire has a slightly larger market. Whichever stone you wish to purchase, always make sure you give your money to a reputable seller or company.
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'
