This post is also on:
Português 
English
A aquamarine stone is a captivating gemstone known for its fascinating blue colour, making it an appreciated choice for gem collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
In addition, aquamarine is a popular gemstone used in jewellery and is also the stone of the month for March.
Like Aquamarine, Emerald, Heliodorus and Morganite are a variation of beryl.
It is much appreciated for its dazzling blue to blue-green colour, reminiscent of the clear waters of the sea, which gives it the name “aquamarine” (aqua means water and marine means sea).
The colour of aquamarine comes from traces of iron in the stone.
Aquamarine is typically blue-green in nature, so it is heat-treated to remove the yellow component and produce a true blue colour.
Brazil is one of the most significant sources of aquamarine.
The state of Minas Gerais is particularly well known for its aquamarine deposits. The Jequitinhonha Valley and the famous mines of the Teófilo Otoni region are known for producing high-quality aquamarine crystals.
The stone is found in various locations around the world, such as Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan and Russia, among others.
The quality and colour can vary depending on the source.
The gem can be transparent to translucent, with higher quality stones showing greater transparency.
Como diferenciar topázio de água marinha
Also see Emerald Stone – Characteristics, Varieties and Quality
Symbolism and meaning
Aquamarine has been associated with various symbolic meanings throughout history. It is often considered a symbol of youth, hope and eternal life. The gemstone is also believed to promote calm, clarity and emotional balance.
Uses
Aquamarine’s main use is as a gemstone in jewellery.
It is cut and polished into various shapes to be set in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Aquamarine’s beauty and popularity make it a highly sought-after gemstone in the jewellery industry.
Names used by the market
- Madagascar aquamarine – medium blue
- Brazilian aquamarine – bluish green and greenish blue
Care and maintenance
Aquamarine is relatively durable, but it can still be susceptible to scratches and damage caused by rough handling or strong blows.
To look after your aquamarine jewellery, it is advisable to store it separately from other precious stones to avoid scratches.
Cleaning can be done with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for aquamarine, but it’s best to consult a professional jeweller for specific cleaning recommendations.
Features of the Aquamarine Stone
1. Colour
Aquamarine is known for its captivating blue to blue-green colour. The shade can vary from pale and light blue to deeper and more vibrant tones, reminiscent of the colours of the sea.
The colour is caused by traces of iron present in the crystal’s structure.
2. Transparency
The stone is usually transparent to translucent. High-quality aquamarine gems tend to have better transparency, allowing light to pass through the crystal with minimal obstruction.
3. Crystal system
Aquamarine crystallises in the hexagonal crystal system. It forms prismatic crystals with a hexagonal cross-section. These crystals generally have vertically striated faces and can occur in various sizes, ranging from small to large.
4. Hardness
Hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This places it relatively high on the scale, indicating good durability. However, it’s important to note that hardness refers to a mineral’s resistance to scratches, not its toughness or resistance to breakage.
5. Fracture
Aquamarine has poor to indistinct cleavage. Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along certain planes of weakness. In the case of aquamarine, it breaks unevenly, exhibiting a conchoidal or shell-shaped fracture.
6. Lustre
The crystal has a glassy to resinous lustre. When properly cut and polished, it can exhibit a brilliant shine and a glass-like lustre.
7. Identification characteristics
Relatively free of inclusions; hollow or fluid-filled growth tubes parallel to the crystal’s c-axis (“rain effect”); radially arranged fluid droplets (“snow star” or “chrysanthemum”) and, less frequently, mineral inclusions (iron oxide)
8. Possible treatments
Blue-green specimens turn blue (removal of the yellow colour component or centre) by heat treatment at temperatures between 400 and 450ºC approximately (stable, irreversible).
The heated half now has that Agua Marinha blue colour that most people are used to seeing. The stone was heated to 400°C for an hour or more.
9. Possible confusions
Blue topaz, synthetic blue spinel, synthetic blue quartz and maxixe beryl (a type of beryl treated by irradiation)
