Swiss Blue Topaz is a stunning gemstone known for its electric blue hue. Its striking beauty has made it one of the most sought-after stones in the world, but many people are unsure if it is a natural gem or not. In this blog post, we will explore the truth about Swiss Blue Topaz and answer the question: Is it a natural gem?
What Is Swiss Blue Topaz?
When it comes to beautiful blue gemstones, Swiss blue topaz often comes to mind. But did you know that there is another gemstone that displays an eye-catching deep blue hue? Chrome diopside is a lesser-known gemstone, but it makes a stunning alternative to Swiss blue topaz with its unique shade of blue.
Chrome diopside is a member of the pyroxene group of minerals, and it can occur in shades of green. The deep blue variety is by far the most sought-after. Its strong chrome content gives it an intense blue color. Which makes it a desirable option for those looking for an unusual gemstone. In fact, some believe that the natural color of chrome diopside is actually closer to pure blue than Swiss blue topaz.
The best chrome diopside comes from Russia’s Ural Mountains and Mongolia, though other sources include Canada and India. As for hardness, chrome diopside falls between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Meaning it is slightly softer than Swiss blue topaz. So, if you are looking for a bold and vibrant blue stone with a unique twist. Consider chrome diopside as an alternative to Swiss blue topaz.
Where Does It Come From?
Chrome Diopside is often mistaken for Swiss Blue Topaz, as they share a similar vibrant blue hue. However, Chrome Diopside is actually a different gemstone altogether. It is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and is relatively rare compared to other gemstones. Chrome Diopside is made up of calcium magnesium silicate and is known for its deep green color. This gemstone can also have an intense yellowish-green color with small patches of black inclusions.
How Is It Made?
One of the most popular alternatives to Swiss Blue Topaz is Chrome Diopside. Chrome Diopside is a semi-precious stone that can be cut and polished to resemble a Swiss Blue Topaz gemstone. It has a bright, sky-blue color with hints of green. And is one of the most common substitutes for Topaz.
Chrome Diopside is mined in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It forms when magma cools slowly, allowing chromium to crystallize into a semi-precious stone. This stone can be found in various sizes and shapes. Making it a great option for those looking for an alternative to Topaz.
The beauty of Chrome Diopside is that it is a natural gemstone, so it has not been artificially enhanced or treated in any way. This makes it an attractive and affordable alternative to Blue Topaz. As well as a great option for those who want to stay away from lab-created gemstones.
What Are Its Benefits?
Swiss Blue Topaz is often mistaken for Chrome Diopside, a rare gemstone that is naturally occurring. While both gems have blue hues and are known for their unique beauty, they each offer different benefits. Topaz is often more affordable and offers a softer, brighter blue color than Chrome Diopside. It is also harder and more durable than Chrome Diopside, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, Topaz has an impressive level of sparkle. Which can add a subtle but eye-catching touch to any outfit.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
When it comes to natural gems, Swiss Blue Topaz is often compared to its cousin Chrome Diopside. While both gems are stunning and have many similarities. There are some drawbacks to Chrome Diopside that should be taken into account when selecting a gemstone.
First and foremost, Chrome Diopside is more fragile than Blue Topaz. This means that it is more susceptible to scratches and chips, making it less durable than its counterpart. Additionally, Chrome Diopside is far rare than Blue Topaz, meaning it could be much more expensive to purchase. It can also be difficult to find large quantities of Chrome Diopside for certain jewelry pieces.
Lastly, Chrome Diopside has a much lower refractive index than Blue Topaz. Making it appear slightly darker or duller in comparison. Because of this, the color of Chrome Diopside may not be. As vibrant or eye-catching as its Blue Topaz counterpart.
Ultimately, Chrome Diopside can be a stunning gemstone. It is important to consider the drawbacks associated with it when compared to Blue Topaz.