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Aquamarine is a stunning blue-green gemstone from the beryl family, cherished for its oceanic hues, high clarity, and historical significance. This comprehensive guide covers its origin, color, cut, clarity, inclusions, treatments, famous specimens, and symbolism as the March birthstone.
Contents
- History and Etymology of Aquamarine
- Color and Price of Aquamarine
- Cut and Sizes of Aquamarine
- Clarity and Typical Inclusions
- Where Aquamarine Is Found
- Enhancements and Synthetics
- Aquamarine as March Birthstone
- Famous Aquamarines
- Physical & Optical Properties
History and Etymology of Aquamarine
From ancient times, aquamarine has been connected to the sea and to sailors. It was believed to offer protection during voyages and to calm the sea. Mariners wore aquamarine amulets, believing it was a gift from the ocean—mermaid treasure guarding them against storms.
The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), reflecting the gem’s serene color and its association with tranquility and clarity.
Color and Price of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the blue to greenish-blue variety of the beryl family. Its color comes from iron trace elements. Shades range from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue. The most valuable aquamarines are intensely saturated blue, eye-clean, and highly transparent.
Lighter stones under 5 ct often appear pastel, while larger gems can display a deeper color.
Cut and Sizes of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is commonly faceted in emerald, oval, pear, round, and fancy cuts. Transparent material is usually faceted, while translucent stones are cut as cabochons. Emerald cut aquamarines are especially prized in high-end jewelry.
Clarity and Typical Inclusions
Aquamarines are generally eye-clean, with inclusions invisible to the naked eye. Common inclusions include parallel tubes, solid crystals (like quartz or apatite), multi-phase inclusions, and occasionally features responsible for asterism or chatoyancy.
Where Aquamarine Is Found
Aquamarine forms in granitic pegmatites, rich in beryllium. Major sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the United States, among others.
Enhancements and Synthetics
Heat treatment is a common practice to enhance the blue color of aquamarine. Greenish stones are gently heated to reduce yellow tones and bring out a purer blue. Synthetic aquamarine exists but is rare and not commercially practical.
Aquamarine as March Birthstone
Aquamarine is the official birthstone for March and is traditionally gifted on the 19th wedding anniversary. Its peaceful color symbolizes clarity, harmony, and renewal.
Famous Aquamarines
- Papamel – 552,500 ct (Brazil)
- Marta Rocha – 173,500 ct (Brazil)
- Estrela de Alve – 96,000 ct (Brazil)
- Dom Pedro – 10,363 ct, cut by Bernd Munsteiner (Owned by the Smithsonian Institution)
Learn more about the Dom Pedro Aquamarine here.
Other notable aquamarines: Queen’s Brazilian Tiara, Roosevelt Aquamarine, Schlumberger Bow.
Physical & Optical Properties of Aquamarine
- Group: Beryl (Cyclosilicates)
- Chemical formula: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
- Crystal system: Hexagonal
- Hardness (Mohs): 7.5–8
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Lustre: Vitreous
- Refractive index: 1.570–1.592
- Density: 2.66–2.80 g/cm³
- Birefringence: 0.005–0.009
- Pleochroism: Dichroic (colorless/light blue to deeper blue/greenish)
- Optic nature: Uniaxial negative
- Phenomena: Asterism, Chatoyancy (rare)
Bring the Ocean’s Serenity to Your Jewelry
Whether you’re searching for a stone that evokes peace and clarity, or a vibrant blue gem for a custom piece, aquamarine offers timeless elegance rooted in nature and legend.
Explore our collection of hand-selected aquamarine gemstones—cut for brilliance, chosen for purity, and ready to become part of your story.
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