Blue Topaz can be found in sky blue, greenish blue, or an "electric" blue. Whatever it's color, Blue Topaz is a popular gemstone and not only makes beautiful jewelry, but also has a variety of interesting legends.

Like most topazes, which are quartz crystals, Blue Topaz starts out as a nearly clear or a lightly tinted shade of crystal. The colorless crystal is then irradiated to bring out a blue color, and finally heat treated to make the color stable. The hue of blue depends on the type of radiation exposed to the quartz crystals.

Exposing the topaz crystals to neutrons in a nuclear accelerator transforms the color into a deep bluish-green or bluish-gray color commonly referred to as London Blue Topaz. Sky Blue Topaz (the most common color of Blue Topaz) is produced by exposing the quartz crystals to electrons in a linear accelerator. To produce Swiss Blue or Electric Blue Topaz, the quartz is bathed in a combination of both kinds of radiation. After a one year cooling off period, the radiation levels are safe enough to allow the Topaz to be worn by consumers.

Most blue topaz has a modest value, so there's little incentive for gemologists to create synthetic versions of the gem. By coating quartz crystals with titanium particles, a rainbow of colors is produce that is commonly referred to as Mystic Topaz. Since this effect is produced by a thin coating of titanium, Mystic Blue Topaz is extremely fragile and must be handeled with the greatest of care.

Although Blue Topaz has a very unusual maufacturing technique, it is an astonishing gem since it's highly refractive and shines beautifully when polished. With a score of 8 on Moh's Scale of gemstone hardness, Blue Topaz finds its way into many attractive pieces of jewelry.

Blue Topaz has many mystical and New Age beliefs surrounding it as does all forms of topaz: it's said to promoted glandular health, regulates heart rythm, and reduces inflammations such as arthritis. On the other hand, the color of Blue Topaz is said to aid in meditation, discernment, and forgiveness. Its calm blue quality is said to help its wearers release their anger, especially from old hurts, fostering forgiveness and reconciliation that leads to a calmer, fuller life.

Commonly referred to as the "gemstone of accomplishment," Citrine, the birthstone for November, endures a case of false identity that causes gem aficionados to overlook its beauty and benefits. Natural Citrine's color can range from a pale lemon yellow to a rich golden brown. After Citrine is faceted into a gemstone, it is practically impossible to distinguish it visually from the more valuable Yellow Topaz.This has led unscrupulous dealers to substitute Citrine for Yellow Topaz, much to the chagrin of bilked customers when they discover the truth, usually at resale.

Amethyst or Smoky Quartz crystals are heat treated to activate ferric impurities, producing commercial grade Citrine and giving Citrine its golden-yellow color. Natural Citrines are usually pale in color, while Citrines produced by heating Amethyst or Smoky Quartz crystals tend to have a more reddish or orange cast to them. Brazil produces most of the world's gem-grade Citrine. For those born in November, Citrine is your birthstone.

Known as the "gemstone of achievement," Citrine promotes an abundance of prosperity and wealth. It's sometimes nicknamed "merchant's stone" because superstitious merchants of times past put Citrine in their cashboxes to bring in money. Citrine purportedly also brings success in other unanticipated ways. Citrine is also thought to encourage kindness by guiding those who profit from its powers to spread their wealth with others.

By wearing Citrine, it is thought that your confidence, mental clarity, and will power can be enhanced. For people that experience depression or low self-esteem, New Age healers usually recommend Citrine crystals. Citrine is thought to deflect and dissipate all kinds of negative energies, generating stability in thought and emotion. It's also believed to reduce self-doubt and self-destructive tendencies, instead fostering happiness and good cheer in those who wear it.

If you suffer from digestive problems, Citrine crystals are also believed to help the immune and endocrine systems. It's believed to play a role in eliminating toxins from the body and in overcoming various addictions. Whether chosen for its gleaming beauty or alleged psychic benefits, Citrine brings a sunny gleam and good fortune to its wearers.