What Is Aquamarine

Aquamarines are amazingly beautiful stones with the shades of blue that take in the gracefulness of the sky and intensity of the ocean. Aquamarine in Latin means ‘Water of the sea’. This gemstone belongs to Beryl family and is blue to greenish blue in color. The Beryl family also contains other gem varieties like Emerald, Morganite and Hellodor. Aquamarine is a birthstone of the month of March. Aquamarine signifies good health, courage, and hope. There is a popular sailing lore that said, wearing aquamarine guaranteed the safe passage for sailors. Sailors also believed that the tails of mermaid were made of aquamarine. Apart from this, many people wear the stone on their bodies or sleep with aquamarine under the pillow for a peaceful slumber. In some cultures, People also present aquamarines as gifts on the 19th wedding anniversary of a person. During the middle ages people carried aquamarine gemstones to protect them from poison and enhance their health. Aquamarine gemstones are commonly found and hence are affordable. Aquamarine gemstones are generally flawless; any gemstone found with visible flaws is very rare. Topaz resembles aquamarine in color and looks indistinguishable in its physical properties. Hence it is important to buy the stone from a reliable dealer. Aquamarine is a durable gem and might fade upon extended exposure to light.

Composition:

Birthstone: March

Crystal System: Hexagonal

Variety: Beryl, Be3Al2Si6O18

Color: Shades of Blue and Blue- green

Refraction Index: 1.57 – 1.6

Pleochroic: Weak

Cleavage: Imperfect, Poor

Specific Gravity: 2.8

Hardness: 7.5 – 8

Aquamarine Gemstone

Aquamarine is one of the most popular gemstones and belongs to the Beryl family. It is the combination of beryllium, aluminum and silicate.
Aquamarine gemstones are found in indigenous, metamorphic rocks and granites, and get their shape under aggressive geological conditions. The cooled magma fluid embedded in the cavities of the mountains and rocks gets heated to a very high temperature forming these stones.
The stones are clear light blue to rich blue and shades of green in color. The stone is hard and difficult to crack. It can be washed with a soft soap and water solution. To clear dust and dirt you can even use toothbrush to clean it.
Aquamarines are found commonly and are present in large amounts when compared to other precious stones. Although the fact is that all gem stones have a few intense blemishes, the top quality of aquamarine is clear without any flaws whether inside or outside.
A good cut of the gemstone aquamarine reflects the sharpness of the color and its exuberance. The appearance of the stone to its full glory depends on the cut and then the angle at which the light reflects,.
The clarity of a high quality aquamarine is clear, transparent, and generally in sea green and various shades of blues. Watch out for any chips, scratches or any blemishes in the stone when you buy an aquamarine gemstone. .
The larger the carat of the gemstone aquamarine, the more precious it will be. Large gemstones are generally used for crafting jewelry like the pendants, necklaces and earrings. The color, clarity, cut and carat decide the worth and quality of aquamarine.
One of the most wanted aquamarine gemstones is considered to be the deepest blue colored one, making it the most expensive of all cuts and grades.
Aquamarines are naturally available in countries like Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, Siberia, SriLanka, USA (United States of America).

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