CS2 Blue Gem Guide 2025: Master the Tier System, Pattern #661 & #387
The Ultimate CS2 Blue Gem Investment
Blue gems are the crown jewels of CS2 skin collecting. A Karambit Case Hardened #387 blue gem can be worth $150,000-$300,000, while pattern #420 might be worth only $2,000—same knife, 10,000% price difference. This comprehensive guide teaches you everything about blue gem tiers, legendary patterns (#661 "Scar," #387 Karambit, #321 Five-SeveN), blue percentage calculation, valuation methods, and investment strategies. Learn to identify underpriced blue gems using our CS2 Float Checker that instantly displays pattern seeds.
What Are Blue Gems?
Blue gems are Case Hardened skins with extremely high blue color coverage on the playside. The Case Hardened finish randomly distributes blue, purple, and gold colors across weapon surfaces based on pattern seed (1-1000). Most Case Hardened patterns show majority gold with some blue—these are standard and relatively affordable. Blue gems flip that ratio, showing 85-100% blue coverage, making them extraordinarily rare and valuable.
The term "blue gem" originated from the CS:GO community and refers specifically to Case Hardened patterns where blue is the dominant color. Blue is universally preferred over gold/purple because it's rarer, more visually striking, and has become the status symbol of elite collectors. The bluest patterns have achieved legendary status with dedicated communities tracking ownership, sales history, and price movements.
Blue gem values range from a few hundred dollars for low-tier patterns on budget weapons to six figures for perfect Tier 1 patterns on premium knives. Understanding the tier system, pattern recognition, and valuation methods is essential for anyone serious about Case Hardened trading or collecting.
The Blue Gem Tier System Explained
The community has developed a tier system classifying blue gems by blue coverage percentage. While there's no "official" tier system, experienced traders generally agree on these classifications:
Complete Tier Breakdown
Tier 1 - God Tier Blue Gems
Near-perfect or perfect blue coverage with minimal to zero purple/gold. These are the most expensive and sought-after patterns in all of CS2. Tier 1 blue gems are investment-grade assets with proven long-term appreciation.
Legendary Tier 1 Patterns:
Karambit #387 - "The Ocean Blue"
99% playside blue | Factory New: $150,000-$300,000+ | Minimal Wear: $80,000-$150,000
Most famous Karambit blue gem, featured in major collector inventories
AK-47 #661 - "The Scar Pattern"
95% playside blue with distinctive scar | Factory New: $80,000-$150,000+ | Minimal Wear: $40,000-$80,000
Most iconic AK-47 blue gem, instantly recognizable pattern
Karambit #670 - "Twin of 387"
98% playside blue | Similar pricing to #387 | Nearly identical appearance
Second most famous Karambit, trades hands among elite collectors
Five-SeveN #321 - "Perfect Blue"
100% playside blue | Factory New: $15,000-$35,000+ | Most perfect 5-7 pattern
Budget Tier 1 entry point for serious collectors
M9 Bayonet #770 - "Full Blue M9"
97% playside blue | Factory New: $60,000-$120,000+ | Liquid and iconic
Investment Characteristics:
- • Historically appreciate 15-25% annually
- • Extremely illiquid (months to sell at full value)
- • Require $50,000-$300,000+ capital
- • Best as long-term holds (3-10 years)
- • Rarely available on public marketplaces
Tier 2 - High-Tier Blue Gems
Excellent blue coverage with small purple/gold elements. Still considered premium blue gems with strong collector demand and investment potential.
Value Ranges by Weapon (Factory New):
- • Karambit: $20,000-$80,000 (depending on exact blue %)
- • M9 Bayonet: $15,000-$50,000
- • Butterfly Knife: $10,000-$40,000
- • AK-47: $5,000-$25,000 (patterns #670, #179, #555)
- • Five-SeveN: $3,000-$12,000 (patterns #868, #278, #690)
Trading Notes:
Tier 2 offers the best balance of prestige and liquidity. These patterns sell within weeks to months and appreciate steadily. Good entry point for collectors with $10,000-$50,000 budgets.
Tier 3 - Mid-Tier Blue Gems
Good blue coverage but noticeable purple/gold elements. Entry-level blue gems for new collectors and traders.
Value Ranges (Factory New):
- • Karambit: $3,000-$15,000
- • AK-47: $800-$4,000
- • Five-SeveN: $400-$2,000
- • Butterfly Knife: $2,500-$8,000
Best For: Beginner collectors, quick flips, budget-conscious traders. Good appreciation potential (30-80% over 1-2 years) with reasonable liquidity.
Tier 4 - Low Blue / Gold Patterns
Below 70% BlueMajority gold/purple with some blue elements. Not generally considered true "blue gems" by collectors. Limited premium over standard Case Hardened prices.
Value: 0-30% premium over standard CH. Some traders collect "full gold" patterns as the opposite extreme, but this is a very niche market with minimal appreciation potential.
Blue Percentage Calculation and Verification
Accurately determining blue coverage percentage is crucial for proper valuation. While experienced collectors can estimate visually, objective measurement tools provide reliable data:
Blue Percentage Measurement Methods
Method 1: Pattern Database Lookup
CSGOFloat Database and similar services maintain blue percentage data for known patterns. Simply enter the pattern index to see documented blue coverage.
Accuracy: Very High | Speed: Instant | Best For: Known patterns
Method 2: Screenshot Analysis Tools
Upload in-game screenshots to analysis tools that count blue pixels vs total pixels. Provides objective percentage measurement for any pattern.
Accuracy: High | Speed: 1-5 minutes | Best For: Unlisted patterns
Method 3: Expert Visual Estimation
Experienced collectors can estimate blue percentage within 5-10% by visual inspection. Requires extensive pattern knowledge and reference comparisons.
Accuracy: Medium | Speed: Instant | Best For: Quick screening
Method 4: CS2 Float Checker Pattern Display
Our extension shows pattern index instantly on marketplace listings. Cross-reference with databases to get blue percentage without manual lookup.
Accuracy: Depends on database | Speed: Instant | Best For: Marketplace scanning
Important Verification Warning
Always verify blue percentage from multiple sources before paying Tier 1 prices. Sellers commonly overstate blue coverage ("90% blue" that's actually 75%). For purchases over $5,000, invest time in thorough verification.
Weapon-Specific Blue Gem Markets
Different weapons have unique blue gem markets with varying liquidity, price ranges, and collector bases:
Karambit Blue Gems
The most prestigious and expensive blue gem category. Karambit's iconic shape showcases blue patterns perfectly.
Liquidity: Very Low (Tier 1), Low (Tier 2), Medium (Tier 3). Best long-term investment blue gems.
AK-47 Blue Gems
Most popular weapon for blue gems. Pattern #661 "Scar" is legendary. Good liquidity across all tiers.
Liquidity: Medium across all tiers. Most actively traded blue gem weapon.
Five-SeveN Blue Gems
Budget-friendly entry point into high-tier blue gems. Pattern #321 is perfect 100% blue.
Liquidity: Medium-High. Excellent for beginners and quick flips.
M9 Bayonet Blue Gems
Second most valuable knife blue gems after Karambit. Large blade showcases patterns well.
Liquidity: Low (Tier 1), Medium (Tier 2-3). Strong investment potential.
Butterfly Knife Blue Gems
Popular knife with unique animation. Growing blue gem collector base, strong appreciation.
Liquidity: Medium. Undervalued vs Karambit—good value play.
Budget Blue Gems
Galil AR, MAC-10, P250, and other lower-tier weapons offer accessible blue gem collecting.
Liquidity: High. Perfect for beginners learning blue gem trading.
Advanced Blue Gem Trading Strategies
Blue gem trading offers extraordinary profit potential for traders with pattern knowledge and patience:
Strategy 1: Steam Market Blue Gem Sniping
Steam Community Market sellers rarely check pattern indexes. High-tier blue gems are regularly listed at standard Case Hardened prices, creating 10x-100x profit opportunities.
Execution Method:
- • Use CS2 Float Checker to scan Steam Market listings for pattern indexes
- • Cross-reference patterns with blue gem tier lists immediately
- • Buy Tier 1-2 patterns at standard CH prices ($500-$2,000 for AK, etc.)
- • Resell on specialized platforms (CSFloat, Reddit, Discord) for true value
- • Repeat daily—new listings appear constantly from uninformed sellers
Potential ROI
1000-10000%
Success Rate
5-10 finds/month
Real Example: AK-47 CH #661 listed at $600 on Steam Market (seller unaware). Actual value: $80,000+ FN. Profit: $79,400. These opportunities exist monthly for vigilant traders.
Strategy 2: Tier 2-3 Blue Gem Flipping
While Tier 1 blue gems are illiquid, Tier 2-3 patterns on popular weapons (AK-47, 5-7) sell quickly. Buy underpriced, hold 1-4 weeks, resell at market prices.
Target Acquisitions:
- • AK-47 Tier 2 (85-90% blue): Buy at $4,000-6,000, sell $7,000-10,000
- • Five-SeveN Tier 2 (85-90% blue): Buy at $1,500-3,000, sell $3,500-6,000
- • Butterfly Tier 3 (75-85% blue): Buy at $2,000-4,000, sell $4,000-7,000
- • Focus on MW condition for better liquidity vs FN
Why This Works:
Mid-tier blue gems have strong demand but fluctuating supply. Buying during market dips or from panic sellers allows quick resale at normalized prices. 30-80% profit margins are realistic on 2-6 week hold times.
Strategy 3: Budget Blue Gem Portfolio Building
Build a diversified portfolio of budget blue gems ($200-$2,000 each) on Galil, MAC-10, P250, and other lower-tier weapons. These appreciate steadily as market matures.
Portfolio Example ($10,000 capital):
- • 5x Galil AR Tier 1 blue gems: $800-1,200 each = $5,000 total
- • 3x Five-SeveN Tier 2 blue gems: $1,000-1,500 each = $3,500 total
- • 2x MAC-10 Tier 1 blue gems: $600-800 each = $1,500 total
Expected Appreciation:
Budget blue gems historically appreciate 40-100% annually as more traders discover them. After 2 years, this $10,000 portfolio could be worth $20,000-$40,000 with diversification reducing single-pattern risk.
Strategy 4: Float + Blue Gem Combination Plays
Maximum value comes from combining high blue percentage with excellent float values. A Tier 2 blue gem with 0.001 float can sell for Tier 1 prices.
Targeting Criteria:
- • Tier 2 blue gems (85-90% blue) with 0.000x-0.003x floats
- • Tier 3 blue gems (75-85% blue) with 0.001x floats
- • Minimal Wear blue gems with 0.07-0.08 float (cleanest MW possible)
- • These combinations create exponential value vs sum of parts
Example: AK-47 Tier 2 blue gem (87% blue) normally worth $8,000. With 0.0007 float (top 0.1%), value increases to $15,000-20,000. Collectors pay huge premiums for "perfect" blue gem + float combinations.
Blue Gem Investment Considerations
Blue gems are high-reward but come with unique risks and considerations:
Liquidity Management
Tier 1 blue gems are extremely illiquid. You might wait 3-12 months to find a buyer at full value. Budget 70-80% of blue gem capital in Tier 2-3 patterns with better liquidity, and only 20-30% in Tier 1 for long-term holds. Don't invest money you need within 1-2 years.
Pattern Verification is Critical
Never buy high-tier blue gems without thorough pattern verification. Use multiple sources (CSGOFloat Database, in-game inspect, CS2 Float Checker, community input). Fake blue gems and overstated blue percentages are common scams. For $10,000+ purchases, invest hours in verification.
Condition Matters More Than Other Skins
Blue gem values are heavily condition-dependent. A Tier 1 blue gem in Factory New might be worth $80,000, while the same pattern in Well-Worn could be $8,000 (90% discount). Float quality within each condition also matters significantly. Always target FN or low-float MW for investment purposes.
Backside Blue Affects Value
While playside blue is primary, backside blue also impacts value. Knives with high blue on both sides command 10-30% premiums over playside-only blue gems. For weapons you inspect frequently, backside quality matters. Always check both sides before purchase.
Market Maturity and Awareness Growing
As pattern checking tools become mainstream, "easy" finds on Steam Market are becoming rarer. Competition for underpriced blue gems is increasing. Stay ahead by using automation, being first to check new listings, and expanding to international marketplaces (Buff163, CSFloat, etc.).
Join Blue Gem Communities
Serious blue gem traders participate in dedicated communities (Discord servers, Reddit forums, Telegram groups) where patterns are discussed, price-checked, and traded privately. These communities provide education, verification help, and access to exclusive sales. Networking is crucial for high-tier blue gem trading.
Common Blue Gem Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' expensive mistakes:
Mistake: Trusting Seller Blue % Claims
Sellers routinely overstate blue percentage. "95% blue gem" listings are often 75-80% blue. Always verify independently with pattern databases and visual inspection. Never pay Tier 1 prices based on seller claims alone.
Mistake: Buying Well-Worn Tier 1 Blue Gems
Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred blue gems, even Tier 1 patterns, are extremely hard to sell. The collector market focuses on FN and MW. A WW Karambit #387 might be listed at $20,000 but take years to sell. Stick to FN/MW for liquidity.
Mistake: Confusing Blue Leaf with Full Blue
Some patterns have a "blue leaf" (blue tip) but majority gold body. These aren't true blue gems and don't command Tier 2-3 premiums. Always check full playside blue coverage, not just presence of any blue. Blue positioning matters as much as percentage.
Mistake: Overpaying for Uncommon Weapon Blue Gems
Blue gems on unpopular weapons (FAMAS, SG 553, MP7) have very limited markets. Even perfect patterns sell slowly and below comparative values on popular weapons. Stick to AK-47, knives, and Five-SeveN for best liquidity and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes pattern #661 so special?
Pattern #661 on AK-47 Case Hardened, known as the "Scar Pattern," has 95%+ playside blue with a distinctive scar-like marking. It's the most famous AK blue gem, instantly recognizable, and has legendary status in the community. Its cultural significance adds value beyond blue percentage alone.
Can I profit from Tier 3-4 blue gems?
Yes, especially on AK-47 and Five-SeveN where even Tier 3 commands 2-3x premiums over standard Case Hardened. Tier 4 has limited profit potential except for very fast flips. Focus on Tier 2-3 for best balance of profit margin and liquidity.
How long does it take to sell a Tier 1 blue gem?
Tier 1 blue gems ($50,000+) typically take 1-6 months to sell at full value, sometimes longer. The buyer pool is small and most transactions happen privately through collectors' networks. Price aggressively and wait patiently, or accept 20-30% discounts for faster sales.
Are blue gems a good long-term investment?
High-tier blue gems (Tier 1-2 on knives and AK-47) have appreciated 15-30% annually since 2018. Supply is fixed (patterns can't be created), while demand grows as CS2 matures. Tier 1 blue gems on premium knives are among the safest CS2 long-term investments, comparable to contraband skins.
Should I buy StatTrak blue gems?
StatTrak blue gems (especially AK-47 and knives) command 40-80% premiums over non-ST versions. However, they're even more illiquid. Only buy StatTrak if you plan to hold long-term or can find underpriced listings. For quick flips, non-StatTrak is safer.
How do I know if a blue gem is authentic?
Use CS2 Float Checker to see pattern index, cross-reference with CSGOFloat Database blue gem lists, inspect in-game via Steam, and verify the exact pattern matches documented screenshots. For purchases over $10,000, ask trusted community members to verify before buying.
Start Your Blue Gem Journey
Install CS2 Float Checker to see pattern indexes instantly on every Case Hardened listing. Never miss an underpriced blue gem again. Our extension identifies patterns automatically as you browse, saving hours of manual checking and helping you find hidden gems before other traders.
Install Free Chrome ExtensionJoin 50,000+ blue gem traders using CS2 Float Checker to identify valuable patterns and build profitable portfolios.
Conclusion
Blue gem trading represents the pinnacle of CS2 pattern trading—the highest skill ceiling, the most research-intensive, and the most rewarding segment of the market. Understanding the tier system, memorizing legendary patterns, and developing pattern recognition skills opens up opportunities that generate life-changing profits from single trades.
The blue gem market continues maturing, with more traders entering and pattern knowledge becoming mainstream. However, opportunities still exist for dedicated traders who combine automation tools, deep pattern knowledge, and active marketplace monitoring. The rarest Tier 1 patterns remain concentrated among elite collectors, creating a scarcity that drives continuous appreciation.
Whether you're starting with budget blue gems at $200-500 or investing in Tier 1 patterns at $50,000+, the principles remain the same: verify patterns meticulously, understand tier classifications, prioritize liquidity for quick flips, and hold premium patterns long-term for maximum appreciation. Blue gems aren't just skins—they're art, status symbols, and investment vehicles wrapped into one.
Ready to expand your knowledge? Explore our guides on complete pattern trading, CS2 investing strategies, and float value optimization to become a complete CS2 trader.