What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine refers to a type of gemstone known as beryl, characterized by a color spectrum that ranges from bluish-green to blue.
What are the Characteristics of Aquamarine Stones?
Color
Most aquamarine stones display a very light hue, which may not be apparent in smaller stones. Rich blue aquamarines are the most common and are also the rarest and most valuable.
Streak
The streak produced by rubbing aquamarine is white.
Chemical Formula
The chemical formula for aquamarine is: Be3Al2Si6O18.
Hardness
Aquamarine is a durable stone, scoring between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Crystals
Aquamarine forms large hexagonal crystals, which can reach lengths up to 31 cm.
Transparency
Aquamarine is renowned for its striking blue transparency, typically free from inclusions.
What is the Origin of the Name ‘Aquamarine’?
The term ‘aquamarine’ is derived from its resemblance to the clear waters of the sea.
How Does Aquamarine Acquire Its Color?
The distinctive color of aquamarine comes from trace amounts of ferrous iron (Fe2+).
Where is Aquamarine Mined?
Aquamarine is extracted from the following locations:
- Primarily from Brazil, which is the leading source of high-quality aquamarine, including regions like Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará.
- Burma and China.
- Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
- Afghanistan, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
- India and Sri Lanka have a longstanding history of aquamarine extraction, particularly from alluvial deposits in locations such as Karur, Munnar, and Kashmir.
- Myanmar, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
- Smaller quantities can be found in various locations in the United States, including San Diego County, California; Mount Antero, Colorado; Connecticut; and Northern Carolina.
- Australia, particularly Mount Surprise, North Queensland.
- Namibia, specifically in the Rosinhg area.
- JOS in Nigeria.
- Russia, from the Morshinik mine.
Where is Aquamarine Found in Nature?
High-quality aquamarine crystals form in cavities underground during the late stages of magma crystallization. These cavities allow crystals to grow, and the slow cooling rates provide time for the development of large crystals. Aquamarine can also be found in granite pegmatites and metamorphic rocks that have been altered through hydrothermal activity, along with sedimentary deposits.
What Minerals are Present in Aquamarine?
Aquamarine contains numerous inclusions such as hematite, biotite, ilmenite, phlogopite, and pyrite. Rutile may be present in the crystal structure, and additional inclusions can include apatite, cassiterite, epidote, muscovite, quartz, tourmaline, cassiterite, and garnet.
What Does Aquamarine Symbolize?
In Western cultures, aquamarine is associated with the strength of the sea, believed to offer protection to sailors, fishermen, and travelers in general. It also symbolizes spiritual purity.
What is the Cat’s Eye Effect in Aquamarine?
When sufficient hollow tubular inclusions are present and properly cut, aquamarine can exhibit a star-like chatoyancy, known as the cat’s eye effect. However, aquamarines that display this effect are rarer than standard aquamarine stones.
Synthetic Aquamarine
Synthetic aquamarine has been produced through hydrothermal growth methods in Russia since the 1980s and in the Czech Republic since the early 21st century. Iron-rich aquamarine is used for coloring, while cobalt, copper, and nickel may also contribute to its hue. Synthetic and natural aquamarine can be distinguished by microscopic examination, as natural stones typically contain characteristic mineral inclusions and complex inclusions.
How and Why is Aquamarine Treated?
Aquamarine is often treated with heat to reduce any faint yellow hues that may be present. Most aquamarine stones are extracted from the earth in a greenish color, which is typically removed by heating them to temperatures around 375°C.
How to Care for Aquamarine Stones?
Here are some tips for maintaining the beauty of aquamarine:
- To prevent scratches and abrasions, store each aquamarine jewelry piece separately in a soft cloth or dedicated box.
- For cleaning aquamarine jewelry, it is best to use warm soapy water and a tightly woven microfiber cloth or soft material.
- Consider taking your aquamarine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for thorough cleaning and inspection.