Aquamarine

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones

Aquamarine

With its light blue to blue-green color it’s no wonder aquamarine has long been associated with the sea. Even the stone’s name reflects this association: aqua is the Latin word for “water” and marina means “of the sea.” As seen in the photo above, aquamarine crystals can be very large allowing for the cutting of large flawless gems. The size and abundance of this lovely stone also makes it very desirable for carving.

The name “aquamarine” is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.”
The best aquamarine combines high clarity with good transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.
Aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings.
Aquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl. Other varieties include emerald, golden beryl, goshenite, heliodore, morganite, red beryl/bixbite.
A more bluish appearance can be achieved by heating the stone.
By heating 750º F (400º C) the stone is transformed from light green beryl into aquamarine.
This gem is valuable to collectors of mineral specimens because aquamarine crystals are known to be large in size and relatively clean and well-formed. In addition, exquisite gems weighing thousands of carats have been cut from them.
Prolonged exposure to light can fade the light blue to blue-green color of aquamarine.
Light blue topaz can easily be mistaken for aquamarine.
Aquamarine gems are often completely flawless.
If banged hard aquamarine may develop internal cracks.
Synthetic aquamarine is rarely created because the cost of producing synthetic aquamarine is very high when compared to the relative abundance of this gem.
Anselmus de Boodt, personal physician of the Emperor Rudolf II, published the first scientific study on aquamarine in a Gemmarum and Lapidum Historia book, published in Latin, in 1609.
Statues of the sea god Poseidon carved into aquamarine have been found by archeologists.
Iron oxide gives aquamarine its color.
Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.

Specs

Chemical Formula	Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈	Mineral Class	Beryl
Color	Blue
Crystal System	Hexagonal	Hardness	7.5-8
Transparency	Transparent to translucent	Luster	Vitreous
Refractory Index	1.57 - 1.58	Double Refraction	0.006

Legends

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed aquamarine calmed waves and kept sailors safe at sea and immersing aquamarine in water would enhance its powers to keep sailors safe.

According to ancient Romans aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. They believed that this gemstone fell from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed on shore.

Early sailors wore aquamarines engraved with the likeness of Neptune, to protect them from dangers at sea.

Some ancient Greek myths said the origins of aquamarine came from the treasure chests of mermaids.

While on land this gem was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages and have a soothing influence on married couples.

It has been said that the mineral beryl, of which aquamarine is a variety, gives the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation. It makes the wearer unconquerable and amiable, and also quickens the intellect.

The Chinese believed aquamarine was linked to Kuan Yin, Goddess of unconditional love, compassion, pity and protector of women and children. They also believed aquamarine would help the unfortunate, unlucky and diseased persons.

In the Middle Ages aquamarine was believed that if carved in ball it would cause visions of the future.

Some legends gave aquamarine the power to avoid poisoning.

The water in which an aquamarine has been soaked was supposed to cure eye's problems as well as hiccups.

Chakra

Aquamarine works closely with the throat chakra to improve the health and functions of the oral cavity, including opening the throat for improved vocal abilities.