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THE GEMSTONE AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine, named for the Latin phrase "water of the sea", is the blue to blue-green
varietyBeryl. Beryl also contains other gem varieties, including Emerald, and some
lesser known varieties such as Morganite and Heliodor. Aquamarine ranges in color
from a faint light blue to blue and bluish-green, with lighter colored stones being the
more common type. Light green Beryl can be transformed into Aquamarine if heated
to 750º F (400º C). The green hues in most Aquamarine can also be removed
through heat treatment.
Chemical Formula Be3Al2SiO6
Color Blue
Hardness 7.5 - 8.0
Crystal System Hexagonal
Refractive Index 1.57 - 1.58
SG 2.6 - 2.8
Transparency Transparent to translucent
Double Refraction .006
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage 3,1 - basal
Mineral Class Beryl (Aquamarine)
AQUAMARINE AUCTIONS
ALL ABOUT
Aquamarine is a relatively common gemstone, and is affordable in lighter colors. Deeper colors can command
high prices. Some enormous transparent crystal masses of Aquamarine have been found, and exquisite gems
weighing thousands of carats have been cut from them.
The light blue to blue-green color of Aquamarine may fade upon prolonged exposure to light, so it is
especially important to purchase this gem from a reliable dealer. Aquamarine is a hard and durable gem, but it
may develop internal cracks if banged hard.
Light blue Topaz is easily mistaken for Aquamarine. The colors of these two gems can be identical, and their
physical properties are very similar. Topaz is generally less expensive, and some fraudulent dealers may sell
their Topaz as Aquamarine.
Unlike Emerald, Aquamarine gems are often completely flawless. Aquamarines with visible flaws are rarely
seen. The costs of producing synthetic Aquamarine are very high when compared to the relative abundance of
this gem, so synthetic Aquamarine is generally not produced for the gemstone market.
USES
Aquamarine is faceted into many cuts. It is a popular stone for rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry
forms. Many exceptionally large and flawless Aquamarine gem pieces have been cut. Occasionally, perfect,
flawless, six-sided crystals are worn as necklace pendants. Translucent Aquamarine displaying cat's eye
effect and asterism are uncommon, but they do exist and are cut and polished into cabochons. Lesser quality
Aquamarines lacking good transparency are sometimes used as beads and as rough polished stones in bracelets
and necklaces.
Aquamarine is the birthstone of March.
VARIETIES
Cat's Eye Aquamarine - Aquamarine displaying a cat's eye effect.
FALSE NAMES
Brazilian Aquamarine - May refer to Aquamarine that originates in Brazil, but often is used as a false name
for blueTopaz.
Mass Aqua - Faceted glass that is dyed blue to resemble Aquamarine.
Nerchinsk Aquamarine - False name for blue Topaz.
Siam Aquamarine - False name for heat treated blue Zircon.
AQUAMARINE TREATMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS
Most Aquamarines on the market are heat treated. Natural Aquamarine is is usually lighter and more greener
in color, and heat treatment creates deeper bluer hues. While natural deeper bluish hues do exist, they are
uncommon. The gemstone industry considers it an acceptable practice to heat treat Aquamarines, although this
information should always be disclosed to the buyer.
AQUAMARINE SOURCES
Brazil is the largest producer of gem Aquamarine; other important producers are Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma),
Russia, China, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and the United States (Colorado and California).
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Blue Topaz is easily confused with Aquamarine. Blue Zircon is also very similar to Aquamarine, although its
color is usually a deeper blue.
AQUAMARINE PHOTOS [Click photos for more details]
AQUAMARINE IN THE ROUGH PHOTOS [Click photos for more details]
AQUAMARINE JEWELRY PHOTOS [Click photos for more details]
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The mineral Beryl
The gemstone Beryl
DISCUSSION
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