Gemstones – Shades of Blue
When most people think about a blue gemstone, Sapphire is usually the first gemstone to come to mind, but there are a large number of other blue gemstones available today.
Natural blue gemstones come in a number of various colors, from dark to light. Currently, lots of blue gems are generally made in a laboratory to enhance the color and to create different colors. Some gemstones have been given multiple names often times to create the perception of higher value. As an example, many people think that Australia Sapphire is a blue sapphire. Actually it is Kyanite. The color and appearance is almost the same but they are very different. Do not be fooled!
Before you buy a gemstone, think of the exact shade of blue that you’re interested in and what you’ll be using it for (jewelry, collection, craft, etc.). The hardness of a specific type of gemstone will often define its use. A softer gemstone is probably best suited as a pendant, but not in a ring. You’ll find that each kind of gemstone has its own unique properties and attractiveness.
Blue Gemstone Meaning
Some people think that the blue color of the gemstone symbolizes the sky and sea, and that this means truth, sincerity and inspiration. An old legend says that offering a blue gemstone engagement ring can bring continuity in their marital life.
Various colors, tints, and hues of blue are said to have different meanings. As an example, Dark Blue can is often viewed as sophisticated, prosperous, innovative, smart, and old-fashioned, whereas Royal Blue symbolize brilliance, while Light Blue symbolizes loyalty and credibility.
Metaphysical Properties of Blue Gemstones
A large constituent believes that blue gemstones will enhance calmness and relax tattered feelings, deliver comfort to people who have insomnia or who may have bad dreams, help generate creativity and boost the quality of conversation.
Further, it is said that the shade blue has beneficial influences around the brain and the entire body. Blue Gemstones may create relaxation and force the human body to generate toxins which are comforting and emanate inner thoughts of peace. Blue helps to slow our metabolic process, is cooling naturally and helps with stability and self-expression. Blue is usually a hunger controller.
Some people think that the power of Dark or Indigo Blue Gemstones generate vibrations that help foster wisdom, develop intuition, strengthen the eyes and ears, and strengthen memory. Meanwhile, Light Blue has a power to produces vibration that helps to smooth talk and sing, improve the health of the neck, throat, shoulders and help people become more thoughtful and compassionate.
Agate
Agate is a layered form of Chalcedony Quartz. It is known to occur in a wide variety of colors and interesting patterns, including many shades of light to dark blue. Some popular trade names used for blue agate include Blue Lace Agate, Mohave Blue Agate and Blue Banded Agate. Many agates today may have been dyed, but unlike many other gem types, the dyeing of agate does not normally affect its value. However, any such treatment should always be disclosed by gemstone traders.
Being a variety of Quartz, Agate has excellent hardness (7 on the Mohs Scale) and durability, making it one of the most versatile blue gemstones today.
Some include Agate as traditional birthstone for May and June. In astrology, Agate is the birthstone for Gemini.
Geode Image Source – Tomomarusan via Wikimedia Commons
Alexandrite
If you love magic, especially the magic of science, you’ll love Alexandrite, the color-change gem. Outside in daylight, it is a cool bluish mossy green. Inside in lamplight, it is a red gem with a warm raspberry tone. You can watch it flick back and forth by switching from fluorescent to incandescent light. The value of the gemstone increases as the color change becomes more distinct.
It is truly spellbinding to see the spectacular changing colors in this wonderful gemstone; you just might feel some of the mysterious magic and lore ascribed to it. It’s said to strengthen intuition, aid in creativity and inspire the imagination.
Alexandrite is a variety of Chrysoberyl, a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale and is a traditional birthstone for June.
Gem Image Source: Salexmccoy via Wikimedia Commons
Amber
Unlike other gemstones, Amber is a product, not of geologic activity, but of the fossilization of resin, i.e., tree sap. Beside yellow and green, Amber also occurs as blue stones, which is rather rare and highly sought after. This blue gemstone comes mostly from the Dominican Republic.
In astrology, Amber is a birthstone for Taurus.