Light blue is an elegant and soothing color that is associated with peace, tranquility, and openness. In the world of gemstones, there are a few options when it comes to light blue birthstones. The most popular light blue stone associated with birth months is aquamarine, the soothing sea-colored gem that serves as the traditional birthstone for March.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a light blue variety of the mineral beryl that ranges from a very pale blue to a deep sea blue. The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words for “water” and “sea,” reflecting its beautiful blue ocean-like tones. Aquamarine has long been associated with March, making it the traditional birthstone for that month. It was also once considered the birthstone for October before tourmaline replaced it.
The serene color of aquamarine has led it to be associated with calmness, clarity, and healing. It is said to have a soothing energy that invokes feelings of tranquility and levelheadedness. For this reason, aquamarine is thought to be helpful for reducing stress and quieting the mind.
Some key facts about aquamarine:
- Chemistry: Beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate
- Color range: Very light to medium blue
- Mohs hardness: 7.5-8
- Sources: Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar
- Birthstone month: March
Topaz
While most people associate topaz with the golden yellow and orange varieties, topaz also occurs in lovely light blue hues. These blue topaz stones have a similar soothing energy to aquamarine, promoting calmness and relaxation.
Topaz ranges in color from yellow and brown to the prized vivid pink-orange imperial topaz. But a sizable portion of topaz gems are pale sky blue, reminiscent of robin’s egg blue. The most coveted and valuable shade is called London blue topaz, valued for its soft pastel blue reminiscent of the early morning London sky.
While blue topaz is not an official modern birthstone for any month, it was once considered a traditional birthstone for November. Here are some key facts about blue topaz:
- Chemistry: Aluminum fluorosilicate
- Color range: Very light blue
- Mohs hardness: 8
- Sources: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Pakistan
Blue Zircon
Zircon is best known for its colorless and brown varieties, but it also occurs in beautiful blue tones. Blue zircon ranges from sky blue to pale blue-green colors. The name zircon comes from the Persian word “zargun,” meaning gold-colored, but blue is one of the most popular shades it’s found in.
Blue zircon promotes emotional balance and clarity. Its soothing color is believed to calm nervous energy and promote tranquility and patience. While not a modern birthstone, blue zircon was traditionally considered a birthstone for December.
Some key facts about blue zircon:
- Chemistry: Zirconium silicate
- Color range: Sky blue to greenish-blue
- Mohs hardness: 7.5
- Sources: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania
Blue Diamond
Diamonds come in every color of the rainbow, including a range of beautiful blues. Blue diamonds are extremely rare and valuable. The hue results from the presence of the element boron within the diamond’s structure.
Fancy color blue diamonds range from icy pastels to vivid shades reminiscent of sapphires. Vivid blues over 1 carat are very scarce and command high prices at auction when they emerge. Even pale blue diamond often far exceed the cost per carat of traditional colorless diamonds.
Blue diamonds evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue in addition to their serene blue tones. They are associated with depth, wisdom, devotion, and transparency. Here are some key facts about blue diamonds:
- Chemistry: Pure crystalline carbon
- Color range: Very light to strong blue
- Mohs hardness: 10
- Sources: India, South Africa, Australia
Blue Sapphire
Sapphire is gem-quality corundum that occurs in a rainbow of hues, with blue being the most famous. Sapphires in lighter blue shades have a soothing energy associated with calmness, quiet, and contemplation.
Blue sapphires range from pale sky blues to vivid royal blues. Fancy colored sapphires in more intense shades tend to command higher values, but all blue sapphires have a lovely energy.
Sapphire is traditionally the birthstone for September, and blue sapphire is the most classic and coveted variety. Here are some key facts about blue sapphire:
- Chemistry: Aluminum oxide
- Color range: Light to medium-dark blue
- Mohs hardness: 9
- Sources: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Madagascar
- Birthstone month: September
Conclusion
When it comes to light blue birthstones, aquamarine and blue sapphire are the top options. Aquamarine is the traditional March birthstone, treasured for its soothing pastel blue tones reminiscent of sea water. Blue sapphire is the classic September birthstone, occurring in a range of light to vivid royal blues. Other light blue birthstones include blue topaz, blue zircon, and the very rare and pricey blue diamond.
In summary:
| Gemstone | Color Range | Birthstone Month |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Very light to medium blue | March |
| Blue Topaz | Pale sky blue | Once November |
| Blue Zircon | Sky blue to greenish-blue | Once December |
| Blue Diamond | Very light to strong blue | None |
| Blue Sapphire | Light to medium-dark blue | September |
All of these light blue stones are prized for their calm and soothing energies. Aquamarine and blue sapphire stand out as the quintessential light blue birthstones associated with the months of March and September respectively.