Aquamarine
Sailor's Amulet and Stone of Courage
📜 History and Stories
The English name "Aquamarine" is derived from the Latin "Aqua Marinus", meaning "water of the sea". Since ancient times, it has been recognized as the gemstone of the goddess of the sea, and sailors have worn it for safe voyages.
The Romans believe that the aquamarine stone protects love and makes it last forever. Its clear blue color also evokes calmness and clarity, and it is considered a gemstone that bestows courage and wisdom on its wearer.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
Unlike tanzanite, aquamarine is produced in many countries around the world, most notably Brazil, which produces many large and high quality aquamarines. Other important sources include Pakistan, Nigeria and Madagascar.
📍 Explore the main production areas: Minas Gerais, Brazil🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Beryllium-aluminum silicate `(Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)' |
| crystal system | hexagonal crystal system |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 - 8 |
| index of refraction | 1.577 - 1.583 |
| proportion | 2.72 |
Aquamarine vs. Blue Topaz
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of an aquamarine depends mainly on its color, clarity and size. The darker and bluer the color, the higher the value, while clarity requires a clean interior with no visible inclusions.
1. Color
The most important factor. From light blue to deep blue, the most precious color is "St. Mary's Blue", which has no greenish tint.
2. Clarity
Natural aquamarine stones are usually of high clarity, and the best quality should be clean to the naked eye.
3. Cut
A good cut brings out its best luster and color, and emerald cuts are common.
4. Carat
Large carats of aquamarine are relatively common, but high quality large stones are still rare.
Different Colors of the Value Ladder
The value of an aquamarine is directly related to the saturation of the blue color. The term "Santa Maria Blue" refers to a deep blue color produced in the mines of Santa Maria, Brazil, and is now used to refer to all aquamarines with this top color.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
March Birthstone
As the birthstone of March, it symbolizes calmness, courage and intelligence.
💝
19th Wedding Anniversary Stone
Representing a happy marriage and eternal youth, it is the perfect anniversary gift.
🧠
Clear Thoughts
Recognized for calming the mind and bringing clarity of communication and thinking skills.
🛡️ Care and Wear
Aquamarine has a high hardness (7.5-8) and is quite durable, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, but it still requires proper care.
💥
Avoid hard contact.
Avoid collision with harder objects such as diamonds.
🧪
Stay away from chemicals
Avoid contact with strong acids and alkalis.
🔥
Avoid high temperatures
High temperatures may cause color changes.
🧼
Gentle and clean
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
👑 royal and celebrity favorite
Queen Elizabeth II of Canada
Queen Elizabeth II owns a very famous aquamarine crown and necklace, a gift from the President of Brazil at her coronation, for the ultimate in royalty.
Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)
Princess Diana wore a huge emerald cut aquamarine ring, which was later given to Meghan by Prince Harry as their wedding present.
Jessica Biel
Actress Jessica Biel's engagement ring features an aquamarine stone around the main diamond, said to represent her birthstone, in a unique and personal design.