How 2 tell the difference between 3 blue gemstones?
I need 2 know how 2 tell the difference between 3 gemstones, pariba apatite, pariba tourmaline, blue topaz
To the trained eye, the first test would be color. Although apatite, paraiba tourmaline and blue topaz may look similar, slight nuances in their hue will give clues as to which is which. However, even experts sometimes confuse them. Try looking at their physical and optical properties closely, e.g. hardness, inclusions, pleochroism etc.
Compared to Topaz (8) and Tourmaline (7-7.5), Apatite is soft. It is only 5 on the MOHs scale of hardness. However, as testing for hardness is destructive and it probably isn't practical to scratch your stones, look for other signs. Are the facet edges worn or adraded? Any chips, fractures? Does the surface look like it needs re-polishing?
Tourmaline can be a tad brittle, and may show some signs of wear as well. However, Paraiba varities tend to be more included than both Apatite and Topaz. Typical inclusions: channel-like trichites, needles and crystals. Also, rotate the stone to see if there are directional differences in color (pleocroism). Tourmaline has esecially high pleochroism. Paraiba Tourmaline also ranges in shades of neon green to neon blue. Blue is of course more valuable.
Unlike apatite and paraibe tourmaline, blue topaz is almost always eye clean. It is also not unusual to find them in large sizes. You may see cleavage in Topaz. Look for what looks like a straight plane in the stone. If the stone has been cut with the table perpendicular to its main crystal axis (c-axis), the cleavage plane should be parallel to the table.
If you have a photo, let me know and I can try to identify them for you. If not, I hope my answer helps!
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38.07ct. FINEST UNHEATED Namibia Blue-Green Tourmaline $64,719.00 |
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37.97ct Unheated NEU SCHWABEN Blue/Green Tourmaline $53,158.00 |
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29.68ct Unheated NEU SCHWABEN Blue/Green Tourmaline $35,616.00 |
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29.80 HUGE! CRT SPARKLING BLUE GREEN PARAIBA TOURMALINE $29,799.99 |
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25.91ct Unheated NEU SCHWABEN Blue/Green Tourmaline $29,300.00 |
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24.08 CT PARAIBA TOURMALINE NEON BLUE COPPER BEARING TOP INTENSE COLOR $19,999.99 |
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TIFFANY & CO JEAN SCHLUMBERGER PLATINUM 18K GOLD DIAMOND BLUE TOURMALINE RING $19,500.00 |
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Neon Blue/Green Paraiba Tourmaline Brazil 12.55 Carats $18,825.00 |
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Exquisite Pink & Blue Watermelon Tourmaline Gem Crystal $18,000.00 |
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25.19cts_ Best Grade _ Flawless _Vivid Indicolite Blue Tourmaline_ Full Fire $17,097.30 |
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27.12 CT PARAIBA TOURMALINE NEON BLUE COPPER BEARING TOP INTENSE COLOR $16,999.99 |
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RARE! BVLGARI 18K GOLD CITRINE GREEN AND PINK TOURMALINE BLUE TOPAZ NECKLACE $16,000.00 |
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130 CARAT BLUE COPPER BEARING PARAIBA TOURMALINE ROUGH CRYSTAL $15,599.99 |
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BLUE TOURMALINE , INDICOLITE SLICE VERY RARE ! $15,000.00 |
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17.08 CT PARAIBA TOURMALINE NEON BLUE COPPER BEARING TOP INTENSE COLOR $13,999.99 |
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Schonbek 1438-82BV Tourmaline / Blue Violet The Rose Crystal Single Light Down Lighting Flush Mount Single Light Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture from the Rose CollectionIncomparably romantic and colorful, The Rose ceiling fixture comes in 32 varieties.Single light down lighting flush mount ceiling fixtureAvailable in a variety of finishes and crystal optionsRequires 1 60w Candelabra base bulb (not included)... |
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Schonbek 1424-82BV Tourmaline / Blue Violet The Rose Crystal Four Light Up Lighting Mini Chandelier Four Light Mini Chandelier from the Rose CollectionThe Rose as a mini chandelier exerts maximum charm. Who can resist the exotic crystal raindrops, the dainty crystal leaves, the plethora of crystal jewelry beads winding in and around the arms and scrolls? And just for fun, elaborate little rose sculptures keep peeping out amidst the mad mix of crystal. The Rose comes in 32 varieties, which means ... |
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Schonbek 1423-82BV Tourmaline / Blue Violet The Rose Crystal Three Light Up Lighting Wall Sconce fro Three Light Crystal Wall Sconce from the Rose CollectionIncomparably romantic and colorful, The Rose wall sconce comes in 32 varieties.Three light up lighting wall sconceAvailable in a variety of finishes and crystal optionsRequires 3 60w Candelabra base bulbs (not included)... |
