Aquamarine
Natural Aquamarine
Aquamarine arouses the transparency of crystalline water, and the elation of the sea. In ancient folklore, Aquamarine is known as the treasure of mermaids and a stone of interminable youth and glee. Ancient history suggests that often it is used by royals as an antidote of poison.
Name Aquamarine is derived from the Latin phrase ‘water of the sea’ and refers to its ocean like color which is sparkling blue to blue-green. Color of this stone is known as blue to blue-green and it belong to Beryl family. Iron content in Aquamarine gives this stone different color of blue, green, pale blue and sometimes transparent. The color of top quality Natural Aquamarine can be very light to moderately dark due to the iron content in it and it also depends on the angle from which you see this stone. Designs like emerald and barions are usually preferred from Aquamarine therefore primary consideration while cutting Aquamarine should be of depth of color. Loose Natural Aquamarine gemstone is available in all shapes and sizes and gems have been cut that weigh several hundred carats.
Chemical Properties of Aquamarine
- Variety of: Beryl
- Crystallography: Hexagonal
- Colors: Blue to Blue-green
- Birthstone: March
- Enhancement: May be heat treated
- Hardness: 7.5 – 8
- Specific Gravity: 2.66 – 2.80
- Birefringence: 0.005 – 0.007
- Cleavage: Indistinct
- Dispersion: 0.014
- Luster: Vitreous
- Heat Sensitivity: No
- Formula: Be3Al2Si6O18 + Fe
- Optics: RI: o = 1.567-1.583; e = 1.572-1.590; Uniaxial (-)
Aquamarine is a popular stone for earrings, rings necklaces and other jewelry forms. Usually six-sided perfect, flawless crystal is worn as necklace pendants. Natural aquamarine is usually affordable in lighter colors whereas deeper color can be produced by heating and they demand high price. Loose natural aquamarine gemstone is available in all shapes and sizes like cushion, rectangle, oval, round and heart.
However, there are many myths about Natural Aquamarine. Romans believe if frog is crafted over the Aquamarine gemstone it can help to reunite with enemies and to make them friend eventually. Another strong belief is that when this stone is worn by the couples, sanctification will be on them and affection will increase between them. Top quality Natural Aquamarine is also considered as the best gift a groom can give to his bride on the day of marriage. Ancient Greeks knew the Aquamarine as sailor’s gem if worn it gives courage, fortification and will ensure safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas.
In recent times, Aquamarine is said to have limitless positive effects on the person who use it. Top quality Aquamarine can be beneficial for different diseases like respiratory tract, coughing, fever, cold and bronchitis. Aquamarine is also known as excellent for eye diseases. Modern healers believe that the Aquamarine stone aids in fluid retention, glandular disorder and oral cavity. Aquamarine gemstone can also be beneficial for skin allergies like eczema and psoriasis.
Caring for Aquamarine gem is by plain, warm soapy water and an old tooth brush and once you have washed your gem make sure to rinse it off with plain water.
