Blue Topaz

Since I'm in the jewelry business I know a lot about gemstones, but what I learned today was a bit shocking.

Almost all Blue Topaz starts out naturally as a colorless stone. The only way it can become the various shades of blue we are used to seeing, ie London Blue or Swiss Blue, is by being irradiated, like with neutrons from nuclear reactors and electron accelerators! Before it can be used in jewelry, it must sit for 7 years until the radiation levels meet the strict requirements by federal health authorities. Seven years!! Wow.

Did you know that? I didn't! Remember, I said I'd blog what I learned each day no matter how lame or unimportant. But I do find this interesting and I hope you do too.