There are a few different blue gemstones that are considered birthstones, depending on the birth month and different birthstone charts. The main blue birthstones are sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, and turquoise.
Sapphire
Sapphire is the primary birthstone for the month of September. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, but the most popular and coveted is the blue sapphire. Some key facts about blue sapphire:
- Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, and blue sapphire gets its color from traces of iron and titanium.
- Blue sapphire is one of the four traditional precious gemstones, along with diamond, ruby, and emerald.
- The most prized and valuable shade of blue sapphire is a vivid medium blue, neither too light nor too dark.
- Sapphire rates 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it an extremely durable gemstone.
- Blue sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
So in summary, blue sapphire is considered the September birthstone and is a highly coveted gem.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Some key facts:
- Aquamarine is a light blue variety of the mineral beryl, colored by traces of iron.
- Its color ranges from a very pale blue to a deeper sky blue.
- The name comes from the Latin for “seawater” and reflects its blue-green oceanic color.
- Aquamarine rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, so it is fairly durable.
- Aquamarine symbolizes youth, health, hope, and fidelity.
So aquamarine is the classic blue March birthstone.
Topaz
Blue topaz is one of the birthstones for December, along with turquoise. Here are some key facts about blue topaz:
- Most blue topaz is enhanced by irradiation treatment to produce the blue color.
- Natural blue topaz is quite rare. The blue color comes from trace impurities of iron and fluorine.
- Blue topaz ranges from a pale sky blue to a bright swiss blue. The most prized color is an intense medium blue.
- Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it very durable for jewelry use.
- Blue topaz symbolizes love, affection, and harmony.
So blue topaz is considered a December birthstone option.
Turquoise
In addition to blue topaz, turquoise is a December birthstone. Here are some turquoise facts:
- Turquoise is an opaque mineral rather than a gemstone. It contains copper and aluminum.
- It ranges from sky blue to a greenish robin’s egg blue.
- The Southwest United States and Persia are famous sources of turquoise.
- Turquoise is moderately hard at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
- It represents wisdom, luck, and health.
So beautiful sky blue turquoise is also considered a December birthstone.
Other Blue Birthstones
In addition to the main blue birthstones, there are a few others worth mentioning:
- Tanzanite: This violet-blue stone is also considered a December birthstone option.
- Zircon: The blue variety is an alternate December stone.
- Iolite: This violet-blue gem can substitute for sapphire as a September birthstone.
- Spinel: Rare blue spinels can fill in for aquamarine in March.
While these alternate blue stones are less common, they can make unique birthstone choices.
How Many Blue Birthstones Total?
If we summarize all the main blue birthstone varieties, there are:
- 1 blue birthstone for September (sapphire)
- 1 for March (aquamarine)
- 2 for December (turquoise and blue topaz)
Plus additional minor blue birthstones like tanzanite, iolite, and spinel, there are about 5-7 blue birthstone choices in total.
Most Popular Blue Birthstones
In terms of popularity, the most widely recognized and sought-after blue birthstones are:
- Sapphire – This precious blue gem is the quintessential birthstone for September.
- Aquamarine – The cool blue aquamarine is loved as the March birthstone.
- Turquoise – A December favorite with its unique blue-green color.
Blue topaz and other alternate blue stones are valued but not as universally popular.
Rarest Blue Birthstones
Some of the rarest and most valuable blue birthstones include:
- Natural untreated blue sapphire – Most sapphire is heat treated to intensify color.
- Kashmir blue sapphire – From a mine in India that closed in 1887.
- Natural blue topaz – Nearly all blue topaz is treated.
- Pariba tourmaline – An extremely rare copper-bearing tourmaline.
- Blue opal – The rarest opal variety with a rich blue body color.
These exceptional blue stones are prized for their incredible rarity and value.
Interesting Facts About Blue Birthstones
- Sapphire was once believed to protect against harm and poisoning.
- Aquamarine was thought to calm waves, sea monsters, and marital disputes in ancient times.
- The word “topaz” comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “to seek.”
- The first turquoise jewelry known was found in Egypt and dates back to around 3000 BCE.
- Medieval European rulers claimed that blue sapphires prevented the skin from spotting or boiling during plague outbreaks.
Throughout history, people have attributed mystical powers to these blue birthstones.
Price Range of Blue Birthstones
There is an enormous range when it comes to blue birthstone values. Here is an overview of price ranges:
| Birthstone | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Blue sapphire | $50 per carat to $10,000+ per carat for fine quality |
| Aquamarine | $50 per carat to $5,000 per carat |
| Blue topaz | $30 to $2,000 per carat |
| Turquoise | $10 to $1,000 per ounce |
Factors like carat weight, clarity, color intensity, and source influence the value. Top quality blue birthstones can be quite expensive!
Where to Buy Blue Birthstones
You can purchase blue birthstone jewelry from:
- Local jewelers and gemstone dealers
- Online retailers like BlueNile.com, Gemvara.com, or Etsy.com
- At craft fairs, gem shows, and specialty gemstone dealers
- Vintage and antique stores
- Auction sites like eBay.com
It’s important to buy from reputable sellers with policies on ethical sourcing and treatment disclosure. The most valuable blue birthstones will come with independent appraisal reports from respected gemological labs like GIA.
Conclusion
There are about 5-7 different blue birthstones recognized across the months of March, September, and December. Sapphire, aquamarine, and turquoise are the most popular, with blue topaz also widely used. Blue birthstones range enormously in price and value depending on factors like color quality, clarity, source, and carat size. These blue gems have fascinated people for centuries with their beauty and lore.