Danburite
Danburite is sometimes sold as a colorless diamond substitute or confused with colorless topaz. The sky-blue LW fluorescence is highly distinctive. Key separator from topaz: SG is only 2.97–3.02 vs topaz 3.49–3.57 — danburite will float in methylene iodide (SG 3.32) while topaz sinks.
Physical & Optical Properties
Key Differentiators
- Strong sky-blue LW and SW fluorescence — highly distinctive
- Much lower SG than topaz (3.00 vs 3.49–3.57) — floats in methylene iodide
- RI 1.627–1.636 — similar range to topaz; use SG to separate
- Biaxial negative
Common Simulants
Treatments
- Irradiation (Russian material — pale yellow)
- Coating (pink color — rare)
Price Context
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Danburite
Danburite is sometimes sold as a colorless diamond substitute or confused with colorless topaz. The sky-blue LW fluorescence is highly distinctive. Key separator from topaz: SG is only 2.97–3.02 vs topaz 3.49–3.57 — danburite will float in methylene iodide (SG 3.32) while topaz sinks.
Identifying a danburite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →