Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a beautiful, medium priced, light blue or blue-green stone. It is beautiful in rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and more.

Aquamarine General Information

Aquamarine is beryl. Beryl also contains other gem varieties, including emerald and some lesser known varieties (such as morganite and heliodor). Light green beryl can be transformed into aquamarine if heated to 750º F (400º C). The green hues in regular aquamarine can also be removed through heating. In fact. almost all aquamarine gems on the market today are heat-treated. Generally, the deeper the blue in aquamarine, the greater its value. A very dark form of beryl resembling deep blue sapphire is artificially formed by irradiating certain beryls. These dark blue stones are not called aquamarine but "blue beryl".

Aquamarine is a fairly common gem, and is thus affordable. Some enormous transparent crystal masses have been exploited, and exquisite gems weighing thousands of carats have been cut from them. The beautiful light blue to blue-green colour of aquamarine may fade upon prolonged exposure to light, so it is especially important to purchase this gem from a reliable dealer.

Light blue topaz is easily mistaken for aquamarine. The colours of these two gems are identical, and their physical properties are very similar. Topaz is the less expensive gem, and some crooked dealers may sell their topaz as aquamarine.

Unlike emerald, aquamarine gems are often completely flawless. In fact, an aquamarine gem with a visible flaw is rarely seen. The costs of producing synthetic aquamarine are very high when compared to the relative abundance of this gem, so synthetic aquamarine is not available on the market. However, production of synthetic blue spinel is easy and inexpensive, so it is used as a cheap aquamarine simulant. It is often mistakenly sold as "Synthetic Aquamarine".

Aquamarine is a hard and durable gem, but occasionally develops internal cracks if banged hard. Its colour may fade upon prolonged exposure to light.

Where Aquamarine is found

 Aquamarine is found in Brazil, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia and USA (Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont).

Anniversary Gemstone for Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th and 19th year of marriage.

Aquamarine Mystical Properties

Aquamarine is often used to (hopefully) experience love and mercy. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

More Aquamarine Lore 

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 (which is a good thing, since that is when sailors
need its power most!)

Aquamarine was also said to have a soothing influence on land, especially on married couples. Its power to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage makes it a good anniversary gift. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends.

Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends.

Legend has it that to wear aquamarine in earrings would bring love and affection. It is given as a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty.

Aquamarine is the US State Gemstone of Colorado.