When you think of aquamarine, the first thing that comes to mind is probably its stunning blue-green color, reminiscent of the sea. But there’s more to aquamarine, the sea-inspired gemstone, than just its appearance. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, which also includes the popular gemstones emerald and morganite.
The name aquamarine comes from Latin, meaning seawater, and was said to calm the waves and protect distant sailors. Aquamarine was also believed to be a blessing, similar to a pager for your relationship. The best gemstones consolidate to get transparency, clarity and a great shape, and from bluish to slightly greenish blue. Like other beryllium stones, aquamarine crystal structures are huge, suitable for the manufacture of large gems and carvings.
Shades of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is formed deep within the earth, under high pressure and high temperature conditions. It’s composed of beryllium aluminum silicate and the color of the gemstone is due to the presence of iron. The deeper and more intense the blue-green color, the more valuable the aquamarine is considered to be.
This charming and valuable stone acquires its shade from the small quantities of black iron. Its tonal range can range from slightly blue to green, bluish green, teal to dark blue, and its tones can vary from exceptionally light to slightly pale. From time to time you will see aquamarines darker than a Swiss blue topaz. At the time you do find this rare stone, a proper cut can usually greatly improve the shade.
It is curious that it can be found in many different locations around the world. Some of the most famous aquamarine mines include Brazil, Pakistan and Zambia. The largest aquamarine ever found weighed over 110 kg and was found in Brazil.
Aquamarine is also a durable gemstone, making it a popular choice for jewelry. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which means it can stand up to everyday wear and tear. It’s a popular choice for rings, earrings, and other jewelry that is worn daily.
But aquamarine isn’t just a pretty gemstone. It’s also said to have healing properties. Some people believe that aquamarine can help to soothe the mind and promote a sense of calm and inner peace. Additionally, it is said to have a soothing effect on the throat and thyroid, making it a great gemstone for those who suffer from anxiety or thyroid issues.
Whether you’re drawn to aquamarine’s stunning blue-green color, its durability, or its alleged healing properties, there’s no denying that this gemstone is truly unique and special. And the next time you come across an aquamarine, whether in a jewelry store or on a hike, take a moment to appreciate the natural wonder that is this gemstone.
Because aquamarine is available in huge sizes, the price of giant stones is not constantly increasing per carat. In fact, more than 25 carats of cut aquamarine will cost less per carat than more modest stones of similar quality. The implementation and wear of stones of this size can be frustrating, so there is less interest in them.
The beryl family, including the greenish-blue color, is probably one of the easiest gemstones to clean. “Jewel clean” is the most widely accepted strategy. The highest level of purity can give a light aquamarine such an extraordinary shine that they can be confused with gemstones with a higher refractive index (RI). Indeed, even with an average luminosity scatter of 0.014, stones with high crown points will show their extraterrestrial tones well. This creates an exceptional gemstone.
While the most prominent features depend on more extravagant shades, a light greenish-blue color may be one of the most dynamic aquamarine cutting options on the planet.
We at YURGA Jewelry adore incorporating aquamarine into our handcrafted gold jewelry designs, and we would be delighted to do so for your forthcoming purchase.
So whether you see one at a store, or have the luck of stumbling on a natural formation, take a moment to admire the wonder that is aquamarine, the sea-inspired gemstone.