|
 |
|
| Color |
|
Pastel ice blue to greenish
blue |
|
|
|
| Gem Family |
|
Aquamarine is a member
of the beryl family. The most famous beryl is emerald. |
|
|
|
| Source |
|
Aquamarine is found in
Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria,
and other countries. |
|
|
|
| Clarity |
|
Because the color is
generally light, aquamarine should have a good clarity. |
|
|
|
| Size Range |
|
Aquamarine is regularly
available from 1 to 5 carats. Generally small sizes
are pale: aqua needs size to develop bright color.
Some aquamarines are as large as 200 carats! |
|
|
|
| Shapes Available |
|
Aquamarine is most often
found in ovals, emerald cuts, and cushions. It is
also available in trillions and square checkerboard
cushion shapes. |
|
|
|
| Enhancement |
|
Aquamarine is sometimes
heated at low temperature to remove yellow, since
most consumers prefer a pure blue to a greenish
blue. |
|
|
|
| Lore & History |
|
Aquamarine, the gem of
the sea, derives its name from "sea water". The
reference is obvious: aqua sparkles like the sea
and its color is pale to medium blue, often with
a slight hint of green. Legends say that it is the
treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors
safe at sea. Aquamarine is said to be a particularly
strong charm when immersed in water. Its legendary
power to soothe differences and ensure a long and
happy marriage makes it a good anniversary gift.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the gem
of Neptune, the planet named after the god of the
sea. |
|
|
|
| Toughness &
Hardness |
|
Aquamarine has a hardness
of 7.5 on the Mohs scale and it is quite durable. |
|
|
|
| Care & Cleaning |
|
Like all gemstones, aquamarine
should be protected from hard impacts. Clean with
mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind
the stone where dust can collect. |
|
|
|
| Price Range |
|
Aquamarine ranges from
$50 to $500 per carat. Exceptionally fine gems can
command even higher per carat prices. |
|
|
|
| Special Characteristics |
|
Aquamarines are found
almost exclusively in special gem deposits known
as pegmatites. These form when large lakes of molten
rock solidify slowly beneath the surface of the
earth. The final portion to crystallize encourages
the growth of large crystals in an environment rich
in the elements that form gems. In rare cases aquamarine
crystals of 1,000 carats or more can form in pegmatites.
You can see jumbo gems like these in museum collections
like the Smithsonian Institution and the American
Museum of Natural History. |
