Things you didn't Know about Aquamarines Stones

by Francis Alukkas | 31 January 2023 | GEMSTONE

Named after the color of seawater, Aquamarine is the name used to describe the mineral beryl within the color range of blue to blue-green. The name is derived from a combination of two Latin words aqua (meaning water), and marina (sea). Aquamarine stone jewelry includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Price of aquamarine stone varies depending upon its quality and extraction techniques.

Now if you ask, is aquamarine expensive? The answer is that even though they are not classified as precious stones, they are quite costly to extract. A natural aquamarine stone receives its coloring from trace amounts of ferrous iron. These gemstones can range from a very light hue to much deeper, vibrant shades of blue. Aquamarines are rarely darker than a Swiss blue topaz. Even if it is, the color is usually enhanced by the cut.

Aquamarine Sizes

Aquamarines are available in a range of sizes, lapidaries have cut gems that weigh several hundred carats, but they are much too large to be worn. The Smithsonian Institution holds the world's largest cut aquamarine, the Dom Pedro, a 10,363-ct carved obelisk. A blue-green crystal with an irregular prism and transparent end-to-end was found in Brazil. It measured 19 inches long and 16 inches across and weighed almost 243 pounds. The 134-pound aquamarine known as the Martha Rocha, which was discovered in Brazil, had more than 300,000 carats of exquisite blue jewels. Even larger crystals were discovered in 1910, but they only produced 200,000 carats worth of cut diamonds, weighing 229 pounds.

Aquamarine stones are usually paired with metals like silver or white gold. Jewelry with aquamarines stone can add a special, summery feel to any outfit. They have interesting features like hollow tubes. Skeletal crystals of aquamarines may contain metallic and translucent inclusions like biotite, hematite, ilmenite, phlogopite, pyrite, and rutile. Apatite, cassiterite, epidote, garnet, muscovite, quartz, and tourmaline crystals may also be present. Some stones contain irregularly shaped liquid droplets in a star formation called snow stars. Another highly prized aquamarine is cat's eye aquamarine. Also, Read: Everything you Need to Know about Ruby Stones

Types of Aquamarine Stones

Other than natural aquamarine stones, they can be synthesized. But a microscopic examination is enough to see if an aquamarine has synthetic origins. Professional gem labs have advanced instruments that can distinguish natural aquamarines from synthetic ones.

Most aquamarines originally have a greenish tint. But it usually disappears after you heat it to 375C, leaving a pure blue color. Removing the green tint through heat treatment is a common procedure. Nowadays people also appreciate green, untreated aquamarines.

Aquamarine Origin

Brazil is the world’s major source of fine aquamarine gems. They are found in localities including Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, etc. They are also found in more than 50 specific locations in Madagascar. They are also found in California, United States to some level. It is easy to be fooled about the origin of aquamarines because many of them are called "Brazilian" or "Madagascar" according to their color, and not the actual location. So ask the jeweler to see documentation of the gem’s origin every time.

Aquamarine Stone Benefits

The aquamarine crystal is good for various healing purposes. Real aquamarine stones have folklore connected to the sea. They are said to protect sailors and fishermen as well as travelers in general. It offers a shielding effect on your energy field. The stone is believed to help you sift through energy and information, create mental clarity, and soothe an overactive mind; it's even used to improve your intellect. The crystal focuses on hope and happiness, and the stone possesses the kind of energy that helps you to be more compassionate and less judgmental. The color of aquamarine is also connected to the wood element in feng shui, which can help you cultivate loving-kindness. It has a soft, flowing yin energy similar to the moon. Also, Read: Hessonite Gemstone: Find In-depth

How to Clean your Aquamarine Stone Jewelry

The best way to clean aquamarine stone jewelry is to wash them in warm, soapy water. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or alcohol. Don't use abrasive cleaning materials such as scrubbing cloths or brushes. Gently clean the stone using soft, nonabrasive materials. Also try to store your stone jewelry pieces separately to avoid scratches.

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