Blue gemstones: regal, rich, and really popular...
Blue gemstones are powerful statement pieces in jewelry. They are the stone of royalty, and they give the white sparkle of diamonds some serious competition. When it comes to the color selection for blue stones, there is an endless array of options. Whether you prefer deep sapphires, bright aquamarines, or spotted lapis lazuli, loving blue gemstones seems almost innate in humans. But why do we love blue gems so much?
In this article, you will learn:
- Why blue gemstones are so popular
- Details about 12 dazzling blue stones you’ll love
- How to style your blue gemstone jewelry
- Where to find quality blue stones
Why do we love blue gemstones?
So why do people adore blue gemstones? Psychologically speaking, people may love them because of the traits associated with the color blue. In fact, we tend to affiliate darker blue gemstones with different characteristics than light blue ones.
When it comes to dark blue gemstones, such as lapis lazuli, sapphire, and tanzanite, we tend to view them as stones with depth. 👉🏻As such, they’re typically symbols of wisdom, trust, and authority. They are the color of nobility, and “royal blue” has been a common choice for regal garb, flags, and other symbolic items.
In contrast, light blue gemstones like aquamarine, blue diamond, and turquoise bring about sunnier, endearing characteristics. 👉🏻For instance, they often symbolize protection, cleanliness, faith, and peace. Many cultures believed they carried healing powers and could ward off the evil eye. Finally, they’re a color we associate with calming aspects of nature, such as a blue sky or clear blue water.
How we perceive colors can affect our desire to wear them. When seeking a new piece to love, it’s important to choose a gemstone with a tone that matches your own personality and energy.💙
Which gemstones are blue?
There are many types of blue gemstones to suit every individual’s personal taste. We’ve gathered 12 of the best gems with varying blue hues to make your own jewelry search easier. Take a look at this blue gemstones list and see if any appeal to you:😊
Aquamarine
Mohs: 7.5–8
Aquamarines are an affordable substitute to the more expensive gems on this list. They alternate between greenish-blue and light blue hues, but the darker stones are more valuable.
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and is rather durable. This soothing blue-green gemstone is thought to remedy negative emotions and boost your immune system, just like its cousin: emerald.
Pros
- Budget-friendly ($10-500)
- Durable
- Large supply
Cons
- Looks best in silvery metals
Turquoise
Mohs: 5–6
Turquoise is a delicate, opaque stone with the attractive color of a robin’s egg. Because of its distinct coloring, it’s rarely faceted when fashioned into gems. Instead, it’s usually made into “cabochon” or polished stones and beads.
This gemstone is a bit soft, so make sure the setting you choose protects your turquoise from damage. Or, set it in earrings, pendants, and other pieces that will receive less wear.
Turquoise has a long, beautiful history among Native American tribes in the United States. If you’re able, consider buying from local tribes, with retailers like the Southwest Silver Gallery, to promote small businesses.
Blue Labradorite
Mohs: 6–6.5
Labradorite normally forms in a smoky blue color, but it has a dazzling feature that sets it apart from other blue stones. Called “labradorescence”, this effect causes a metallic, blue-green sheen across the stone’s surface. The result is striking, and the gem takes on a mystical appearance.
Some believe this stone has healing abilities and aids hormonal issues, stress, and complex diseases such as Parkinson’s.
Pros
- Large supply
- Affordable
- One of a kind coloration
Cons
- Somewhat delicate
Azurite
Mohs: 3.5–4
Budget-friendly and boldly colored, azurite is ideal for anyone who likes bright blues. You can usually find lovely azurite specimens for $10–$100. While the stone itself is typically a deep blue, it occasionally forms with malachite and presents with patches of green stone that almost seem to glow.
Despite its beauty, azurite can be damaged easily. As such, it’s usually cut into cabochons and is rarely faceted. Ensure your azurite is set in a sturdy metal with plenty of protection from wear.
Many specialty retailers sell azurite, but you can even find options at larger companies like Amazon.
Blue Garnet
Mohs: 6.5–7.5
Although garnet is a notoriously red stone, there are blue variations that rival their scarlet counterparts. It’s a relatively new variation of gemstone that was only discovered about 30 years ago, so its appeal is still growing. For now, supply is low, and it is more of a collector’s jewel.
You can usually find this stone in shades of deep blue to blue-green to purple. Like few other gemstones, blue garnet is “dichroic”, which means it shines different colors when viewed from different angles. Fairly durable, the stone can be faceted for jewelry.
Blue Sapphire
Mohs: 9
If you’re not sold on the longstanding diamond trend, consider a blue sapphire gemstone for your next jewelry piece.😍 This stone is part of the corundum family, and its color ranges from blue to violet. It’s also incredibly durable and second only to diamonds.
Sapphires are popular in wedding jewelry, as the deep blue stone rose to prominence after Duchess Kate Middleton first showcased her blue sapphire engagement ring. If you’re looking for a reliable dealer of quality sapphires, check out James Allen and their lovely selection of stones.
Pros
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Affordable synthetics available
Cons
- Expensive if natural
Blue Diamond
Mohs: 10
A member of the “fancy” colored diamond family, these rare blue gemstones offer a scintillating and ethereal glow.🤩 They are prized for their incredible light refraction abilities, and they can range from a faint blue to a deeper blue-green.
Most blue diamond gemstones are treated to enhance their color, and it is rare but possible to find untreated stones. Because they’re diamonds, they’re tough and will withstand wear for decades to come.
As part of the most prized gemstone group, these blue beauties can sell for anywhere from about $1,500 to $150,000 for average specimens.
Tanzanite
Mohs: 6–7
Somewhere between a deep blue and a mystic purple sits the color and fire of the gorgeous tanzanite. This stone is only found in remote regions of Tanzania,🎯 from which it received its name. In fact, the gemstone is so popular and rare, that experts expect mines will run dry in just a few decades!
Many believe tanzanite has spiritual properties, and it was used to detoxify the body and regenerate hair and skin cells.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Fairly durable (can chip)
- Good for purple lovers
Cons
- Somewhat rare
- Few imitations/synthetics available
Blue Opal
Mohs: 5.5–6.5
A mystical gemstone with history, opals are well known for their dazzling play of colors in every stone. Blue opals can range from the color of the sky to a turquoise blue, and light plays across their surface similar to when rays of sunlight sparkle over water.
These gemstones are softer than they seem, so you must be very careful not to scratch or bump them on any surfaces. Opals can even dry out and crack if not properly taken care of!
If you don’t want to purchase somewhat expensive natural opals, you can always find retailers that carry synthetic versions. Ross-Simons has a lovely selection of both natural and synthetic blue opals.
Lapis Lazuli
Mohs: 5–6
Lapis Lazuli is arguably one of the most prominent stones of all time, and its origins in jewelry date back almost 6,000 years! This stone has a royal blue hue that’s not easily replicated among opaque stones, and many stones consist solely of this pure, deep blue.
However, Lapis Lazuli often has striking pyrite inclusions that present a very ancient yet ornate look, as though the stone is filled with gold. It can typically survive normal wear and tear when properly set in a durable metal.
Kyanite
Mohs: 4.5–7
Though rarely found in larger retail stores, kyanite is a lovely gem with a stunning blue glow. It is a unique, slate grey-blue, and although it is known to have inclusions some jewelers have managed to facet clearer pieces.
Unlike most gemstones, kyanite has a variable hardness.⚠️ If measured parallel to the crystal’s length, kyanite has a hardness of 4.5–5. But, if measured across the crystal’s shorter dimension, its hardness will be 6.5–7. This disparity is because of the stone’s “disthene” nature, which translates to “two strengths”.
Pros
- Unique color
- Can be faceted or cabochons
Cons
- Can break easily
- Not widely available
Apatite
Mohs: 5
Available in neon variations, the blue-green version of apatite is nearly fluorescent. While apatite refers to an entire group of minerals, the blue stones originate from Brazil.
Apatite is heat-sensitive, so avoid overexposure to sunlight. It can also be rather brittle, so if you choose apatite for your jewelry, avoid mechanical or heated cleaning options.
Although not all retailers offer apatite for jewelry, some provide beautiful pieces for you to purchase. JTV has a great selection of neon apatite jewelry to browse!
How to choose the right blue gem for your wear?
Choose the right cut
An important factor to consider when shopping for a new gemstone is cut. Are you looking for a gem that will sparkle as light moves through it? Or do you prefer a stone with an intense depth of color?
Round, princess, pear, and cushion cuts are great for wearers who want fire in their gemstone. These cuts allow more light to play on the gemstone’s surface. In contrast, emerald and baguette cut stones will have a unique depth to their color. These cuts are perfect for showing off a deeply colored sapphire or tanzanite without overly sparkly facets.
Additionally, if you don’t like sparkly stones, consider a cabochon or bead cut gem. They’re used for softer, opaque gemstones, but they are perfect for casual jewelry.
Style for the season
If your style changes seasonally, consider switching up your pieces with the changing weather. Bright stones like aquamarine, blue diamonds, apatite, and turquoise are perfect for the sunny days of spring and summer. Or, darker stones like sapphires, tanzanite, lapis lazuli, and azurite will complement any cool toned fall or winter outfit. Switch things up for a style refresh every few months!
Know your birthstone
If you know your birthstone, then you may already have a blue gemstone that speaks to you. For instance, aquamarine is the March birthstone, whereas sapphire is the September birthstone. Additionally, opals are associated with October, and diamonds are the birthstone for April, so wearing their blue counterparts works just as well!
Keep your favorite metal in mind
Not all blue stones look as dazzling in every color of metal. Lighter blue gemstones look best when set in white metals like platinum, silver, or white gold. The white shine of these alloys allows their blue and green hues to shine through beautifully. Inversely, if you like deeper blue gems, you can set them in either white or yellow metals, as they can shine brightly in both without looking yellowish.
Dress for the occasion
There is no hard and fast rule for which blue gemstones you can and can’t wear, but you can do your best to choose stones that suit the occasion.
For formal events, consider cut gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, blue garnets, and aquamarines, as these stones add elegance and refinement to any outfit. Casual events and settings accommodate any gemstone, although opaque gems like opal, lapis, turquoise, azurite, and labradorite can bring a splash of color to your look. However, it’s important to wear whatever gemstone you like the most!
Know yourself
As just stated, all style choices eventually come down to what you like wearing and seeing in the mirror each day. If you prefer cabochons that can brighten up any ring or necklace, then the opaque stones will surely be your pick. If you like a fancier stone with glittering facets, then any of the precious or semi-precious cut gemstones will look fabulous on you. Whatever you choose, if it’s what makes you happy then that is what’s important.😎
Choose the blue stone that’s right for you
There are plenty of blue gemstones that sparkle and shine, but what’s most important is finding the one that best suits your personal style. From the sparkling fire of diamonds, sapphires, garnets, tanzanite, apatite, and aquamarines to the less conventional, opaque colors of kyanite, lapis, labradorite, opal, azurite, and turquoise, each stone has a unique hue that’s sure to appeal to someone.
When buying blue gemstones, try to find a retailer that can meet your expectations for quality and color. Brilliant Earth provides beautiful, ethically sourced options, while James Allen offers a large collection of blue stones. Tiffany & Co. is a great luxury retailer for those with a higher budget, whereas JTV and Blue Nile offer budget-friendly options.
Finally, Kay and Jared are great sources of synthetic and lab-created stones if you’d prefer to get the look without the hefty price tag. No matter what retailer you choose, we hope you love your blue gemstone dearly!
