How to discern between raw sapphire and topaz?

[SorenCoins]

A while back I was searching Montana gravel from a sapphire mine where topaz is also foud. I took anything that possibly could have been sapphire. The biggest stone was a 4.75ct blue stone and I know it is sapphire with some other smaller blue stones. But its the ones that are white/clear/hint of blue that Im unsure. Thanks in advance.


-SC

 

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[IAMZIM]

If it is from the mine I think it is, the topaz will almost all be stream rounded, and will be rough and cloudy on the outside. Sapphire will be glassy, even when stream rounded. Usually, if you put the topaz in water, when it is white or clear topaz, it will almost "disappear" in the water. Best way to find out is a hardness test, topaz is an 8 hardness, sapphire is a 9. It does sound like you possibly found some topaz, because some of the topaz from that particular mine does have a slight blue tint to it! Pictures btw, would also be great! I would really like to see a pic of your 4.75 ct sapphire!

 

[SorenCoins]

Alright thanks. Ill get some up here soon. Thanks.