What is aquamarine ?
In fact, aquamarine is a type of blue beryl. Mineralogically, beryl is a beryllium aluminum silicate, and is one of the main sources of beryllium. In order for the braille to turn blue and become aquamarine, iron needs to be added during formation. This is true for both natural and laboratory aquamarine.
Whereas, the beryl mineral family is colorless in itself. Adding elements other than iron can create other colors: the most famous are chromium and vanadium, which make beryl a famous and valuable emerald.
Aquamarine is a green-blue to blue berry mineral. Its color is often a light pastel greenish blue.
Aquamarine crystals are usually large in size, relatively clean and well-formed, and this is especially valuable for mineral sample collectors.
The name "aquamarine" is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning "water", and marina, meaning "sea". Braille is known to protect against enemies in war or battle. This makes the wearer invincible and kind, and speeds up the intellect.
The name aquamarine in Latin means sea water and is said to calm the waves and protect sailors from danger. Aquamarine was also thought to increase the happiness of marriages. The best jewelry has, combine high clarity with limpid transparency and colors from blue to slightly greenish blue. Like many beryls, aquamarine produces large crystals that are great for engraving.
Aquamarine gemstones evoke the colors of the sea. Aquamarine can be found in a variety of colors, blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, or green-blue. Aquamarine gemstones are usually even out of inclusions and are as clear as water, which is a symbol of purity of soul. These extraordinary gemstones give a lot of beauty to evening wear because they shine and shine even in low light conditions. During the day or in bright light, they show a soothing coolness.
Aquamarine is found on most continents. Aquamarine is a stone born in March, but anyone can enjoy the light quality of this gemstone.
Aquamarine has been valued for thousands of years for its brilliant and valuable blue beauty. The meaning of aquamarine stone is strongly based on its namesake - the sea. Everything that shows the endless blue ocean is included in the meaning of this rock. It represents vitality as well as a sense of calm.
Aquamarine History
THE ROMANS
Pliny, a Roman philosopher, described the gem as very apt: "The lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from the mermaid treasure house in the depths of the summer sea, has undeniable charms." The Romans certainly considered aquamarine a precious gem, and even other civilizations valued the stone.
EARLY ANCIENT EGYPT
The Sumerians and early Egyptians also valued aquamarine as a symbol of youth and happiness because it was discovered in an ancient burial ground, and the ancient Greeks also used it to create intricate works of art.
Aquamarine Meaning
The aquamarine gemstone, an expensive blue-green, is often worn by those seeking tranquility. Aquamarine birthstone is also associated with compassion and healing and is believed to have soothing properties. This connection to peace may also explain why it is believed to calm the seas - all types of sailors hope that aquamarine will protect them from harm and danger during voyages.
Aquamarine is also associated with enriching marriage, providing happiness for a happy couple, and a sense of solidarity. So, while diamonds are very romantic, an aquamarine engagement ring can be a very attractive, more affordable and unique option.
Aquamarine Sources
· Brazil is the world’s major source of fine aquamarine gems. Localities include Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara, and others.
· Madagascar has more than 50 specific localities that produce fine, blue gem material.
· Australia: Mt. Surprise, North Queensland (small).
· India: Karur, Madras, and Kashmir (medium blue color).
· Namibia: Rossing (in pegmatites).
· Nigeria: Jos (abundant material, some fine color).
· Russia: Mursinsk mine (and other localities).
· Afghanistan; China; Mozambique; Myanmar; Pakistan; Sri Lanka; Vietnam; Zimbabwe.
· United States: San Diego County, California (not much gem material); Mt. Antero, Colorado; Connecticut (some gem); Maine; North Carolina.
Aquamarine Sizes
You will see aquamarines in considerable size. Lapidaries have very large carved jewels that weigh several hundred carats. Braille crystals have been found to weigh a lot, but they are never of jewel quality. However, aquamarines can be very large and still have the quality of a gem.Here are some famous aquamarines in different sizes:
· A blue-green crystal was found in Marambia, Teofilo Otoni, Brazil. This irregular prism, transparent end to end, measured 19 inches long and 16 inches across and weighed almost 243 pounds.
· American Museum of Natural History (New York): 272, 215, and 160; also 355 (Sri Lanka), 144.5 (Brazil).
· Hyde Park Museum, New York: 1847 carats.
· Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 1,000 (blue-green, fine color, Brazil); 911 (blue, Brazil); 263.5 (blue, Russia); 71.2 (pale blue, Sri Lanka); 66.3 (pale blue-green, Maine); 20.7 (pale blue, Madagascar); 15.3 (blue-green, Idaho); 14.3 (blue, Connecticut).
· The Smithsonian Institutions holds the world’s largest cut aquamarine, the Dom Pedro, a 10,363-ct carved obelisk.
· The famous Martha Rocha aquamarine, found in Brazil, weighed 134 pounds and yielded more than 300,000 carats of superb blue gems. An even larger crystal found in 1910 weighed 229 pounds but yielded only 200,000 carats of cut gems.
· British Museum (Natural History) (London England): 67.35 (blue) and 60.90 (greenish); 879 (sea-green, oval).
Aquamarine Color
The color of aquamarine varies greatly from pale blue to a dark blue or green / intense blue. A darker stone with richer colors tends to show fewer inclusions and therefore looks more valuable.
Despite the popularity of aquamarine, there is also an imitation aquamarine. In particular, aquamarine blue is replicated in Swiss Blue Topaz, blue tourmaline, and light-colored sapphire, and has been a popular gemstone since ancient times. The ancient Greeks associated it with water. Let's take a look at the beautiful blue color of this lovely stone.
Like most stones, the color of the aquamarine determines its value. Most people think that aquamarine is pure blue, much like the sky on a cloudless summer day. The Greeks and Romans also associated the stone with the color of the sea. Such a connection is especially important, given that seawater can be pure blue or blue-green depending on its depth and purity.
When determining the value of a gem, there are three main points: the shade and intensity of the blue color and its sharpness. Ideally, this is a pure and intense blue with no green color. Especially in larger rocks, the color is relatively intense and it is harder to get smaller pieces of raw aquamarine. Ironically, what many people call "aquamarine blue" is less desirable: greenish blue and closer to teal. According to this valuation, lighter colored stones have less value.
Aquamarine Value
Sometimes aquamarine crystals are small in size, and sometimes others can weigh up to 100 pounds. When an aquamarine shows an intense color, it is ideally more than 5 carats. Because these gemstones are available in large and small sizes, the value of each carat does not increase for larger gemstones.
Buyers can use the Aquamarine Value Chart to determine the value of an aquamarine gem. As a rough guide, a 1-carat aquamarine is about $ 675 per carat, and a 2-3-carat aquamarine is about $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 per carat. The growth in carats will be about 40 to 60 percent increase in price.
Aquamarine Laboratory Values
Laboratory aquamarine gemstones are the same as extracted gemstones. However, laboratory gemstones are less expensive for you because natural gemstones are rarer and do not need to be mined compared to laboratory gemstones. Thermal aquamarines are laboratory or natural stones that have been exposed to high temperatures and low pressures to enrich their color and improve its sharpness. If you are looking for an exquisite jewelry at a reasonable price, laboratory-grown aquamarine gemstones can be a great choice.
Aquamarine Clarity
Faceted aquamarines are often eye-clean (you will not see any defects when you look at the stone). Therefore, these gemstones are ideal for creating jewelry. If the gemstones have obvious defects, they do not disappear and are often used to make beads and inlays.
For the value of aquamarine, its degree of transparency is somewhat less important. Most of the materials that are made faceted and turned into aquamarine jewelry and its commercial term is "eye-clean". In essence, this means that the Faceted Gemstone does not appear to have any defects but is called inclusions when viewed by an observer.
There are different types of inclusions. Most crystals have the ability to grow and swallow other crystals. One of the most common causes of cracks or fissures in aquamarines is stress during crystal formation. However, the most common is silk. This is a series of lines that are usually cracks filled with liquid. If there is enough silk, a gemstone cut can create a beautiful "cats-eye" cabochon with this rough piece. These will look great as a rose gold aquamarine ring.
When describing clarity, jewelers often use a scale from AAAA to B. AAAA stones are of the highest quality, and even under magnification, the defect is difficult to see. Natural AAAA blue stones are very rare and expensive. Reputable jewelers usually use natural AAA gemstones that have been heat treated to increase their color and clarity in a permanent and safe way using the treatment. AA and A rated aquamarines make up the majority of the jewelry market. Grade B stones are mostly made in the form of craft beads.
Aquamarine Cut
Aquamarine gemstones can be cut into various shapes such as round and oval or emerald shaped. These blue-green gemstones are known for their strength and transparency and are a favorite of jewelry designers and artists.
For most people, buying jewelry can be a bit daunting, especially if you are looking for an original piece of jewelry such as an aquamarine engagement ring and a diamond. An aquamarine must be cut before it reaches the jewelry box.Aquamarine stone can be turned into a wide range of precious stones. Here are the different types of cuts in aquamarine jewelry:
EMERALD CUT :
This is a classic rectangular cut that became popular with emeralds. Usually, this cut is used to make yellow gold aquamarine rings.
BAGUETTE CUT :
This cut is also rectangular, but taller and thinner. These are rarely used for center stones in aquamarine and diamond rings, but are commonly used for embossed stones.
ASSCHER CUT :
This cut is basically a square version of the emerald cut and all its sides are the same. Absolutely stunning as an aquamarine single ring, as its shape is versatile.
Brilliant Cuts
When most people think of a classic engagement ring, they think it shines. Brilliant cuts are those that have kite and triangle faces. More modern versions include round cuts, hearts and arrows. Shiny gemstones have a deep base, and their faces come down to a point at the bottom.
Basically, brilliant cuts are meant to reflect light from the bottom of the rock and send it to the viewer's eye. For gemstone incisions, brilliant incisions are a great way to "hide" inclusions in the gem and make them less visible. On the other hand, these cuts may not increase the color as much as previous cuts. There are different types of Brilliant cuts:
ROUND :
If you are looking for an aquamarine and classic diamond engagement ring, this cut is a good choice. The round shape means that there is no sharp edge that can be cut over time and the jewel is easy to adjust.
OVAL:
The oval aquamarine rocks look bigger than they really are. For this reason, they are a great choice for aquamarine single rings or earrings.
CUSHION:
The shiny cushion cuts are almost square in shape. The difference is that the four corners are round, you can wear the aquamarine Cushion cuts ring every day.
OTHER SHAPES:
Some other forms are also available. The marquise cut is a sharp oval. Heart-shaped stones are very popular as an aquamarine promise ring. Pear cut is now fashionable. Finally, the princess cut, which is a sharp-cornered of the cushion cut .
Aquamarine care
Fortunately, aquamarines do not require special care. Although they can withstand scratches from everyday wear and tear, cutting edge designs and protective settings can also help them withstand scratches and breakage.
However, inclusions within aquamarine may not respond well to mechanical cleaning techniques such as ultrasound or steam and cause them to break.Consult a gemologist first to see if your gemstones can resist these cleaning methods. Of course, you can always use a soft brush, a mild detergent and warm water to safely clean Aquamarine.
Aquamarine Properties
Beryl is a silicate mineral and is considered quite rare, it is commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. In addition, it has the chemical composition Be3Al2Si6O18 and has a score of 7.5 to 8.0 on the Mohs hardness scale. This scale runs from 1 to 10 and is used to measure the resistance of minerals to scratches, so this gem has a relatively high score.
Gemstones are also measured based on a refractive index, aquamarine has a reflectance index of 1.57-1.58.
Aquamarine is a popular gem and was also noted by the Duchess of Sussex. He recently used it when the Duchess of Sussex got married.
Princess Diana ordered an aquamarine ring with a stunning 30-carat aquamarine blue stone surrounded by small diamonds, all set in 24-carat yellow gold, and finally Prince Harry gave it to the royal wedding. Not only is this piece stunning, but Megan Markle's Aquamarine Ring is worth approximately £ 70,000 ($ 87,000).
Synthetic Aquamarine
Aquamarines can be synthesized. Examination under a microscope may show signs of artificial origin. However, professional gem laboratories have advanced tools that can distinguish natural aquamarines from synthetic ones.
Synthetic aquamarines (laboratory aquamarines) have been produced in Russia since at least the 1980s and since the early 2000s in the Czech Republic using hydrothermal growth methods.
Some synthetic aquamarines, like natural aquamarines, get their color from iron. Nevertheless, high-color synthetic aquamarine is produced using cobalt, copper and nickel. These metals are not found as color sources in natural aquamarine.
Many synthetic aquamarines can be detected by microscopic examination of natural aquamarines. However, this method is more difficult to identify synthetic aquamarine, especially in light-colored materials, than growth zone zoning structures. Specific mineral compounds and multiphasic compounds can also be used to identify natural aquamarine.
The presence of synthetic aquamarine or laboratory aquamarine is detected in jewelry. These items may be unusual in the market or simply sold without disclosure instead of natural aquamarine.
Enhancements
Most aquamarines that come out of the ground are green. However, this gem reaches a pure blue color when heated to 375 degrees Celsius. It is very common to remove aquamarine green by heat treatment. Although this used to be the norm, today, society has begun to appreciate the little green and untreated aquamarines. However, it is impossible to detect this heating process. Therefore, gemstone graders should describe any pure blue aquamarine as "possibly heat treated".
Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine is a versatile gemstone and can be used to make beautiful earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. There are different styles of aquamarine rings that include single rings, auras and three stones.
Aquamarine as a gift
Many people know aquamarine because it is known as the birthstone of March. Aquamarine rings, earrings and pendants are popular gifts for people born in March.
The aquamarine gemstone, an expensive blue-green, is often worn by those seeking tranquility. Aquamarine birthstone is also associated with compassion and healing and is believed to have soothing properties. This connection to peace may also explain why it is believed to calm the seas - all types of sailors hope that aquamarine will protect them from harm and danger during voyages.
Aquamarine is also associated with enriching marriage, providing happiness for a happy couple, and a sense of solidarity. So, while diamonds are very romantic, an aquamarine engagement ring can be a very attractive, more affordable and unique option.
The name "aquamarine" is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning "water", and marina, meaning "sea". Braille is known to protect against enemies in war or battle. This makes the wearer invincible and kind, and speeds up the intellect.
Aquamarine has been valued for thousands of years for its brilliant and valuable blue beauty. The meaning of aquamarine stone is strongly based on its namesake - the sea. Everything that shows the endless blue ocean is included in the meaning of this rock. It represents vitality as well as a sense of calm.
