Full Guide To Aquamarine vs. Blue Topaz (This is the Difference)
In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as aquamarine and blue topaz, it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Blue topaz is generally cheaper than aquamarine, although it rarely occurs naturally. The former is also harder and more durable. Also, its color is stable, while aquamarine fades when exposed to sunlight. Blue topaz is generally associated with wisdom, serenity, loyalty, and communication, while aquamarine represents hope and happiness.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Amazonite vs. Aquamarine: This Is The Difference
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Aquamarine vs. Blue Topaz– How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at their color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
Aquamarine is a beryl variety, just like, for example, emerald (green beryl) and morganite (peach/pink beryl). It contains traces of ferrous iron as its chemical composition, which is the cause of its color.
The hues on the stone vary from light to deeper, vibrant blue tones, although the latter variety is definitely rare. The colors of aquamarine stones can also vary because of the heat treatments. These treatments are widely accepted and are done to give the stone a desirable blue color. They do not harm the stone in any way.
On the other hand, blue topaz contains silicon, aluminum, and fluorine in its composition. Although generally colorless, impurities cause topaz to form in other colors. The blue color is caused by iron and chromium.
Color
Aquamarine will always be somewhere on the green/blue spectrum. Topaz, on the other hand, is found in white, orange, blue, colorless, green, violet, and pink.
Generally, aquamarine with an intense blue, or darker tone with gray hints is more desirable than lighter-colored ones. Keep in mind, that sunlight negatively affects the saturation of aquamarine: if you expose it to the rays of the sun regularly, it will turn pale.
Natural blue topaz is commonly watery and pale. In fact, most blue topaz on the market is actually colorless topaz that has been color enhanced. Especially a darker-colored blue topaz is often the result of enhancements done to the stone.
Generally, there are 3 variations of blue topaz: sky blue (the lightest variety), Swiss blue (the most saturated), and London blue (the color in between sky and Swiss blue). Although these colors may occur naturally, they are often heat-treated to provide the buyer with the exact preferred color.
Also read: Calcite vs Halite: This is the Difference
Pattern and Clarity
Both gemstones increase in value based on their clarity, varying from transparent to opaque. Because of this, fracture filling may be done to improve the stone’s clarity.
If you’re looking for the shiniest blue stone, topaz is probably your best choice. It is more refractive than aquamarine, making it extra sparkly.
Hardness
The stones differ slightly in hardness. Aquamarine rates between 7.5- 8, while blue topaz is slightly harder, rating 8 on the Mohs scale.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10.
That being said, as a result of their structure, both stones are prone to chipping and cracking if handled roughly, so be careful.
Location
Both stones are found all over the world. Most commonly, blue topaz is found in Brazil. In the US, the stone can be found in Texas. Aquamarine is also most commonly found in Brazil but is also mined in Zambia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Mozambique and Nigeria.
Care
The best way to clean any gemstone is by using warm water and a mild detergent. However, both stones are hard enough to leave them to soak too, but beware that any crystal left in water for extended periods of time may turn dull. Additionally, if done regularly, the stone will turn more brittle.
Due to the fracture filling and enhancements that are done on these stones, mechanical cleaning methods may damage the gemstone.
If you’re using blue topaz or aquamarine for its metaphysical properties, make sure to cleanse the stones by smoke cleansing, leaving it on a selenite plate, using sound baths, or leaving it in the moonlight. Aquamarine, especially, is associated with the moon; hence the best way to recharge the stone. Leave the stone to sit outside on the night of a full moon to fill the stone with the potent energies of the moon.
Interestingly, blue topaz is not affected by sunlight, whereas aquamarine will lose its color. So, if you’d like to charge your blue topaz in sunlight, that would be fine, too.
Also read: Golden Healer Quartz vs Citrine: This Is The Difference
Metaphysical Properties
Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first.
The Greeks and Romans associated Aquamarine stones with the sea due to their blue-green color. They were therefore used as talismans for sailors for protection in their expeditions. The stone was also used for healing by shamans and mystics.
Nowadays, aquamarine is associated with hope and happiness, and is believed to possess the ability to enhance psychic abilities. The serene blue colors bring calming and soothing energies. In physical healing, the stone is associated with any ailments within the respiratory system, like bronchitis, sinus, and allergies.
In ancient times, blue topaz was used to sharpen the intellect, bring strength and alleviate stress. In the Middle Ages, it was used to promote better sleep as well as prevent an untimely death.
Blue topaz is generally associated with wisdom, serenity, loyalty, and communication. The stone calms anger, breaks spells, and offers protection from dark magic by harnessing the moon’s energies. In healing, the stone generally contributes to good physical health. It relieves stress, sore throats, and migraines.
Also read: Rhodonite vs. Rhodolite: This Is The Difference
Chakra Association
Both stones are associated with the throat chakra (Vishuddha).
As you might know, everyone has 7 chakras, each representing a different part of ourselves. All crystals can be linked to a different chakra and thus help us in different parts of our lives. You’ll find each chakra in the image below, as well as which color stone best matches the energy center.
The throat chakra is found at the base of the throat and is responsible for self-expression and communication. These stones’ special connection to this chakra will improve communication and the ability to speak and articulate your truth.
Blockages and misalignment within the chakra manifest in having issues with expression and creativity or physical illnesses like sore throat, hearing difficulties, and thyroid problems. When unblocked, it provides passage of energies from the head to the rest of the chakras.
Zodiac Association
Aquamarine is a traditional and modern birthstone for people born in March. Thus, it is related to Pisces and Aries, born in that month. People under the Pisces zodiac are creatives but might also struggle with self-expression. A stone connected to the throat chakra, like aquamarine, will be great for this sign. Gemini also struggles with perfectionism and volatility. The aquamarine crystal will help restore balance and relieve its over-reactive nature.
Additionally, aquamarine is ruled by the Moon, which also rules Cancer.
Blue topaz is a modern birthstone for December, connecting it to Sagittarius and Capricorns born in that month. It helps these signs to balance thoughts and emotions and improve self-confidence and creativity.
Element Association
Many cultures have developed the idea of elements to explain nature. In the west, this idea was created by the ancient Greeks and consisted of 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Earth.
The 4 elements represent the following:
- Earth for personal growth, stability, and security
- Water for love, friendships, and emotions
- Air for intellect, wisdom, and communication
- Fire for energy, passion, and action
By looking at a crystal’s or gemstone’s properties, we can determine which element fits best.
Aquamarine connects to the water element. The water element represents feelings and emotions. Crystals that draw their energies from the water are valued for their protective and purification power.
Blue topaz is an air element crystal associated with communication and the mind. The masculine element represents new possibilities, imagination, and knowledge.
Ruling Planets
The ruling planet for aquamarine is Neptune and the Moon. Neptune is associated with dreams, delusions, intuition, and spirituality. Its energies influence compassion, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness of the people it rules. Crystals like aquamarine effectively harness Neptune’s energies to find freedom from egos.
The moon represents secrets, femininity, and emotions.
Blue topaz is ruled by Jupiter, the planet associated with growth, prosperity, religion, law, expansion, and healing. The energies of this planet influence one’s optimism, spirituality, tolerance, and calm during tough times.
Also read: Jade vs. Jadeite: This Is The Difference
Numerical Vibration
Aquamarine vibrates at 1. As the first number in numerology, 1 represents new beginnings, innovation, and initiative. It’s a positive number that represents a clean slate and our dreams into reality. Its energies can dominate and create leadership skills. Crystals of this vibration are therefore used to encourage people to pursue their dreams with courage and strength by challenging them to overcome doubt and sabotaging thoughts.
Blue topaz vibrates at 6. In numerology, this number represents responsibility and harmony. People resonating with the number are optimistic, intelligent, nurturing, responsible, creative, and social.A balanced 6 emits the energies of Venus. It influences romance, love, understanding, and sacrifice. This vibration leans towards service and compassion towards others.
Uses
There are many different ways to use these stones. Below we’ll outline a few options for you.
Jewelry
Wearing jewelry is the best way to include these stones into your life, as they allow you to work with the stone’s energy all day. Make sure to wear them on your skin closest to the associated chakra, allowing you to reap the most of the stone’s benefits. For both blue topaz and aquamarine, a necklace would be the best option.
Meditation
These stones connect to the throat chakra, making them the perfect option if you struggle to communicate your needs and stand up for yourself. If you feel like meditation with these stones would be beneficial to you, I’ll leave a guided meditation for you to use below.
Best Combinations
These stones can each be paired with other crystals and gems to amplify or complement their properties.
Aquamarine can be combined with smoky quartz for cleansing and relaxation. The energies of these two stones will inspire trust, truth, and letting go of the past.
Aquamarine, combined with blue calcite, is great for the throat chakra. The pair unlocks the chakra, easing the communication of thoughts and emotions.
Blue topaz can be paired with kunzite to help focus and accomplish goals. They also activate confidence and connection with others and restore self-confidence.
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