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Blue Gemstones: 20 Gems to Know!

We’re embarking on a journey through twenty unique blue gemstones! Each of these marvels, imbued with captivating stories, unique properties and bewitching beauty, opens the door to a world where symbolism, rarity and brilliance intertwine.

From the famous Blue Sapphire so celebrated by royalty to less familiar but equally fascinating gems, let’s explore these precious stones together. Let’s delve into their cultural significance, their unique features and their role in history and jewelry.

Ready to discover these blue treasures? Let’s set off on a gemmophile exploration!

banner with all 20 blue gemstones in the article

When it comes to captivatingly beautiful blue gemstones, blue sapphire tops the list. This exceptional jewel, with its bewitching shades of blue, embodies timeless elegance and sophistication. Renowned for its deep, mystical hue, blue sapphire evokes serenity and purity.

Positives:

  • Blue sapphire is a prized and sought-after gem
  • Pairs perfectly with diamonds for engagement or symbolic moments. The blue sapphire ring is a popular example.
  • The variety of synthetic blue sapphires available as a suitable alternative for those who prefer to avoid mines
  • The best durability on the market after diamonds and moissanites

But be careful:

  • Rarity of good quality blue sapphires = very expensive
  • Many, many, MANY forgeries or erroneous descriptions
  • Stones often treated and rarely included in sellers’ descriptions
sapphire blue stone on neutral background held by gemmological tweezers to illustrate a blue stone
Sapphire – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

When the time comes to evoke a gem of crystalline beauty, aquamarine is the obvious choice. This captivating gemstone, with its light blue hues reminiscent of the purity of crystal-clear waters, embodies freshness and clarity. Renowned for its transparency and brilliance, aquamarine evokes serenity and gentleness.

Positives:

  • A blue semi-precious stone (fine stone) appreciated for its clarity and delicate azure-blue color.
  • In the same family as emerald but more affordable
  • A little piece of the ocean with you
  • Combining aquamarine with metals such as silver or white gold creates dazzling aquamarine ring designs.
  • The synthetic aquamarine option on the market for those wishing to avoid the implications of mines

But be careful:

  • The rarity of high-purity aquamarines = Expensive
  • Some misrepresentation of vendors (intentional or not). you can find synthetic aquamarine sold as natural aquamarine. Other blue gemstones, such as topaz, are also erroneously sold.
  • The dark blue aquamarines to be avoided (maxixe aquamarines) are due to heavy, unstable treatment.
sky-blue aquamarine cut on a neutral background to illustrate a blue gemstone
Aquamarine – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Among gems with a bold hue, blue spinel stands out for its captivating brilliance. This precious stone, adorned with fascinating shades of blue, embodies timeless elegance and finesse. Renowned for its deep, mysterious hue, blue spinel evokes tranquility and clarity.

Positives:

  • A little-known and original blue semi-precious stone (fine stone)
  • Good durability
  • Still quite affordable
  • Available as synthetic blue spinels for those who want to avoid mines

But be careful:

  • The treatments applied to these stones and synthetics are not always precisely mentioned in sellers’ descriptions, requiring particular attention when purchasing.
synthetic spinel blue stone on a neutral background to illustrate a blue stone
Synthetic Spinelle – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Tanzanite, with its hues ranging from deep blue to intense violet, reveals a dazzling palette of natural colors. Its distinctive brilliance makes it a striking choice for jewels of rare elegance.

A symbol of spiritual elevation and awareness, tanzanite adds a sophisticated, mystical dimension to any adornment. It evokes a connection with inner wisdom and spirituality, bringing an enchanting, vibrant touch to any special occasion.

Positives:

  • A deep violet-blue to intense violet stone for a wide range of creations.
  • One of the blue semi-precious stones (gemstones), again little known and original.
  • Good durability, ideal for everyday use.

But be careful:

  • Some sellers may present other stones as tanzanite, which can mislead buyers.
  • A highly treated stone because it is not naturally blue-violet
  • An expensive stone, subject to extensive marketing efforts by major brands
ring in 14 karat white gold topped with a tanzanite and diamonds to illustrate the tanzanite.
Diamond and tanzanite ring

Topaz, with its hues ranging from light to deep blue, offers a dazzling range of natural colors. Its unique brilliance makes it an elegant and versatile choice for jewelry that is both subtle and captivating.

A symbol of mental clarity and inner calm, topaz adds a touch of serenity and refinement to any ensemble. It evokes a connection with peace of mind, bringing an enchanting, luminous touch to any occasion.

Positives:

  • A blue semi-precious stone (fine stone) with a wide range of blues, offering great diversity in jewelry creations.
  • A little piece of sky
  • Still affordable
  • Good durability for everyday use.

But be careful:

  • Some sellers may present other blue stones and glass, which can mislead buyers.
  • Few synthetics
  • The “natural” label can be misleading. natural blue topazes are extremely rare. Virtually all blue topazes on the market are irradiated and heated. Treatments are stable.
light blue topaz treated on a neutral background to illustrate a blue stone
Treated topaz – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Blue aventurine, with its translucent blue hues and shimmering reflections, reveals a range of captivating natural hues. Its unique tone makes it a refreshing choice for jewelry that is both subtle and elegant.

As a symbol of inner peace and tranquility, blue aventurine evokes a connection with the serenity of the spirit, adding an enchanting, peaceful touch to every occasion.

The positives:

  • Original and little-known
  • A beautiful palette of blue
  • Affordable
  • Good durability, suitable for regular use.
  • Very few imitations

But be careful:

  • Some sellers may present other stones as blue aventurine, such as chalcedony or other blue stones, which can be confusing for buyers.
  • Not much!
rough aventurine blue stone or rough aventurine quartz on natural background to illustrate a blue gemstone
Blue aventurine or blue aventurine quartz – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Did you know that jade jadeite exists in shades other than green? From violet to white, mauve to blue, jade never ceases to amaze. With its translucent to dazzling bluish-green hues, Guatemalan jade jadeite, like its family, represents purity and good fortune, and draws the profile of a little-known stone.

Positives:

  • Deep symbolism in various cultures
  • Originality of a little-known stone
  • Tough as nails (if the stone is of good quality): some anvils in the Chinese empire were made of jade jadeite.
  • Excellent durability for everyday use

But be careful:

  • Widespread counterfeiting and imitations
  • The purest jadeite jades can be more expensive than diamonds
  • Beware of jades and other colored stones
jade jadeite from guatemala blue green on neutral background to illustrate a blue stone
Jade jadeite from Guatemala – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Labradorite, often called the “stone of the northern lights”, offers a spectacular range of shimmering colors, from shimmering blue to emerald green, with iridescent reflections that evoke the luminous dances of the northern lights. Its palette of changing colors makes it a prized stone for gem connoisseurs in search of beauty and mystery.

Positives:

  • Spectacle of shimmering colors reminiscent of the northern lights
  • Attracts those drawn to mystery and spirituality
  • Superb in collection
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • Although rarely counterfeited, imitations do exist. It’s best to buy labradorite from reputable sources to avoid disappointment.
  • Average durability, beware of shocks and over-open seams
labradorite blue stone on neutral background to illustrate a blue stone
Labradorite – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Lapis lazuli has a deep, rich shade of intense blue, dotted with golden or white spots, evoking the splendor of the constellations. Its color and history make it a prized stone for gem enthusiasts in search of rarity and history. It symbolizes mental clarity and honest communication.

Positives:

  • Intense blue with golden and/or white veins
  • For those fascinated by astronomy and ancient history
  • For lovers of precious arts and crafts
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • Lapis lazuli can be imitated with sodalite, dyed or weathered stones and “synthetic” lapis. It is advisable to buy this stone from trusted sellers to guarantee its authenticity.
  • Average durability, so watch out for open seams
  • Rich, porous, so beware of liquids and perfumes that can damage or even destroy it.
lapis lazuli bluestone on neutral background to illustrate a bluestone
Lapis lazuli – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

The blue tiger’s eye, sometimes called the hawk’s eye, has a remarkable shade of deep, shimmering blue. Its unique color and characteristics make it a coveted stone for gem lovers in search of wisdom and inner connection.

Positives:

  • A beautiful deep blue with shimmering variations
  • For birds of prey lovers
  • Original and little-known, it is also available in a combination with tiger’s eye.
  • An unusual formation of blue asbestos, a member of the asbestos family
  • Durability for all uses
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • Imitations can exist. To acquire an authentic blue tiger’s eye, it is advisable to turn to reliable and reputable sources.
bracelet of blue hawk's eye and tiger's eye beads on a neutral background to illustrate a blue gemstone
Hawk’s eye bracelet – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Fluorite, sometimes nicknamed the “stone of genies”, seduces with its varied hues, from deep violet to brilliant blue. Appreciated for its clarity and natural crystalline structure, fluorite is also coveted for its purported mental clarification and concentration-enhancing properties, ideal for those seeking intellectual and spiritual harmony.

Positives:

  • A beautiful palette from pastel blue to ash blue to turquoise
  • For lovers of well-formed crystalline structures
  • Original and seldom used
  • Affordable depending on color

But be careful:

  • Imitations can exist.
  • Its low hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale makes it a fragile stone that must be protected (or kept in a collection).
formation of interlocking cubic fluorite crystals with a blue color
Fluorite – Rob Lavinsky, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Sodalite, with its royal blue hues often interlaced with white veins of calcite, is a gem prized for its elegant, soothing allure. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, sodalite is renowned for its supposed intellectual stimulation and self-confidence-boosting properties, making it a sought-after stone for those who aspire to mental clarity and emotional serenity.

Positives:

  • A beautiful deep blue interlaced with white
  • For lovers of ornamental gems
  • For those who don’t like pyrite in lapis lazuli
  • Affordable

But be careful:

Imitations can exist.

blue and white sodalite cabochon on neutral background to illustrate lapis lazuli imitations
Sodalite en cabochon – Photo © par Lauréline Colliard FGA

Iolite is distinguished by its hues ranging from deep blue-violet to gray-blue. In addition to its bewitching beauty, iolite is prized for its purported properties of inner vision and spiritual guidance, making it a stone of choice for those seeking self-discovery and spiritual clarity.

Positives:

  • Beautiful shades of blue-violet to blue-grey
  • Very little known and original
  • For those who love violet-blue
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • Imitations can exist, especially on sites like Etsy or Ebay.
  • Despite a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, iolite is very fragile and requires special care. Shocks, sudden temperature changes and acids should be avoided.
blue cut iolite stone on a neutral background to illustrate imitations of blue sapphire
Iolite – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Zircon, often mistaken for diamond because of its exceptional brilliance and clarity, comes in a variety of hues, from bright blue to red. Beyond its luxurious allure, zircon is renowned for its supposed energetic protection and spiritual grounding properties, making this gemstone a preferred choice for those seeking to harmonize their energy and strengthen their inner confidence.

Positives:

  • Exceptional brilliance, second only to diamond and moissanite
  • Near diamond-like brilliance
  • The oldest terrestrial material in the world…over 4 billion and 400 million years old
  • A broad color palette
  • More affordable than diamond

But be careful:

  • With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, zircon is fragile and requires care. Impacts must be avoided. Some zircons do not tolerate strong sunlight or heat.
  • A plethora of imitations and fakes all over the net. Watch out for shot glasses and CZs.
  • Blue zircon remains rare and expensive
macro view of bluish zircon crystal in its rock
Blue zircon – Martin Heigan, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

Indicolite, a rare variety of tourmaline, enchants with shades ranging from deep blue to blue-green. In addition to its mesmerizing beauty, indicolite is sought after for its purported properties of stimulating the mind and promoting inner peace, making it a preferred choice for those who aspire to mental clarity and emotional serenity.

Positives:

  • A superb blue color, usually dark and bold
  • Excellent durability
  • A little-known stone
  • A little sister to paraiba tourmaline

But be careful:

  • Natural indicolites are not widely available and are generally quite expensive.
  • As usual, it’s possible to find fakes or imitations.
blue-green indicolite tourmaline crystal in elongated prismatic form, transparent on its white parent rock
Tourmaline Indicolite – Géry PARENT, CC0

Glass, a versatile and ubiquitous material, seduces with its transparency and ability to be shaped into a multitude of shapes and colors. Beyond its decorative use, glass is also valued for its optical properties and durability, making it a popular choice for those seeking to combine budget, environment and elegance in their creations.

Positives:

  • A multitude of color and shape possibilities
  • A sustainable material that can be recycled 100% over and over again
  • Perfect for incessant fashion changes
  • Very affordable

But be careful:

  • Not much, the glass allows everything, without guilt or bankruptcy.
  • With a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, it can break or scratch more easily than harder stones (but less than fluorite).
two earrings in silver paste and blue and white glass. the glass part is a ball on each earring
Blue glass earrings – Laura Holm, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

Azurite, with its deep blue hues often marbled with malachite green, is a gem prized for its rich, vibrant appearance. In addition to its visual appeal, azurite is renowned for its supposed properties of intellectual stimulation and spiritual awakening, making it a preferred choice for those seeking to deepen their self-knowledge and strengthen their intuition.

Positives:

  • Beautiful, vivid colors, especially with malachite
  • A little-known gem
  • Perfect for a beautiful decorative piece
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • With a low hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, azurite breaks or scratches easily and should be worn in protective jewelry or not at all (in a collection, for example).
4 pieces of azurite of varying sizes. they are all night-blue and show several small to microscopic crystals. On display at the museum.
Azurites – Photo© by Lauréline Colliard, galerie de minéralogie du jardin des plantes

Moonstone, with its opalescent reflections and shades ranging from milky white to silvery blue, is a captivating and mysterious gem. In addition to its ethereal beauty, moonstone is sought after for its purported properties of promoting intuition and emotional balance, making it a preferred choice for those who aspire to spiritual connection and inner harmony.

Positives:

  • A soft, mysterious ethereal allure
  • For moon lovers
  • Fairly durable
  • Affordable

But be careful:

  • With a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone can be scratched or broken. you have to be careful
  • Transparent moonstones with beautiful blue reflections can be very expensive.
  • Watch out for imitations
natural cut moonstone showing its transparent blue glow on a white background
Moonstone – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

CZ, short for cubic zirconia, is a synthetic material that imitates the brilliance and clarity of diamond. Gemologists appreciate CZ for its ability to faithfully reproduce the optical properties of diamonds, offering remarkable brilliance at a more affordable cost. In addition to its visual resemblance, the CZ is also appreciated for its durability and versatility.

Positives:

  • Available in every imaginable color
  • Higher brilliance than diamond
  • A good hardness of 8.5
  • Fairly affordable

But be careful:

  • Watch out for imitations
  • Many sellers are riding the diamond wave and offering exorbitant prices
CZ or cubic zirconia stone cut on a neutral background to illustrate the zircon.
CZ or cubic zirconia – Photo © by Lauréline Colliard FGA

Best left until last: The blue diamond, with its celestial glow and hues ranging from shimmering turquoise to deep blue, is an enchanting and enigmatic gem. Beyond its resplendent beauty, blue diamonds are coveted for their supposed ability to promote mental clarity and creative expression, making them a popular choice for those seeking inspiration and authentic communication.

The famous Hope blue diamond on a grey cushion
Hope Diamond – 350z33, CC BY-SA 3.0

Positives:

  • A beautiful shine
  • An adamantine glow
  • 10 hardness to stand up to any challenge
  • Highly sought-after and adored
  • Available in synthetic diamond, much less expensive, much purer and more gentle on the planet

But be careful:

Needless to say, natural blue diamonds are almost impossible to find and extremely expensive.

There are many imitations, ranging from glass to CZ, moissanite, synthetic garnet, etc.

It is essential to go through a reputable and reliable seller who will provide you with an official certificate.

So, sky blue or ocean blue?

banner with all 20 blue gemstones in the article

FGA Gemmologist, graduate of London's prestigious Gem-A Academy (and former lead 3D animator in the video game industry). Her focus is on research, the ethics of gemstones and their environmental and social impact, and the protection and education of gemstone buyers and enthusiasts.

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