Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone that has been highly prized for centuries. Its cool blue color and clarity make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings. But there's more to aquamarine than just its looks. In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about aquamarine gemstones.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald and morganite. Its name comes from the Latin words "aqua" and "marina," meaning "water" and "of the sea," respectively. Aquamarine is a blue, to blue-green variety of beryl, with colors ranging from pale blue to deep blue. The intensity of its color is determined by the amount of iron present in the crystal.

History and Legends

Aquamarine has a rich history and has been prized by many cultures throughout time. The ancient Greeks believed that aquamarine would protect sailors from the dangers of the sea, while the Romans thought that it would protect them in battle. In medieval times, aquamarine was believed to have healing powers and was used to treat a variety of ailments. Even today, it is still believed to have many healing properties, including reducing stress and promoting clarity of thought.

Characteristics and Qualities

Aquamarine is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. It has a vitreous luster and is usually cut in a faceted style to showcase its brilliance and clarity. Aquamarine is typically found in large sizes, which makes it a great choice for statement pieces of jewelry. One of the most desirable characteristics of aquamarine is its clarity. It is often free of inclusions and has a transparent quality that adds to its beauty.

Why Aquamarines are cheaper relative to other gemstones?

Aquamarines are generally cheaper than other gemstones due to their abundance in nature and their large crystal sizes. Unlike some other gemstones, aquamarines are not as rare and can be found in many different parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan. This means that the supply of aquamarines is relatively high, which helps to keep the price down.

Another factor that contributes to the lower cost of aquamarines is the fact that they are usually not as highly valued as other gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. While aquamarines are still highly prized by many people, they do not have the same level of demand as these other gems, which can drive up their price.

It's also worth noting that the value of an aquamarine can vary depending on its quality, with higher quality stones commanding a higher price. The most valuable aquamarines are typically those that have a deep blue color, with few or no inclusions, and a high level of transparency.

Types of Aquamarine

Aquamarine can come in a variety of types, depending on the way it is cut and the color of the stone. Some of the most popular types include Santa Maria, which is a deep blue variety of aquamarine found in Brazil, and Madagascar, which is a lighter blue variety.

How to Buy Aquamarines?

When buying aquamarine, there are several factors to consider. The color of the stone is one of the most important, with deeper blue stones generally being more valuable than lighter ones. The size of the stone can also affect its value, with larger stones being rare and therefore more valuable. It's important to buy from a reputable jeweler and to ask for a certificate of authenticity to ensure that the stone is genuine.

In conclusion, aquamarine is a beautiful and highly prized gemstone that has been loved for centuries. Whether you're in the market for an engagement ring or just looking for a stunning piece of jewelry, aquamarine is a great choice. With its durability, clarity, and stunning color, it's no wonder that aquamarine continues to be a favorite among gemstone lovers.

Mineralogy and mining of aquamarines

Aquamarines are a type of beryl mineral, which is composed of beryllium, aluminum, and silicon. The unique blue-green color of aquamarine is due to the presence of iron impurities in the crystal lattice.

Aquamarine mines are found all over the world, with significant deposits located in Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. The mining process can be quite labor-intensive, with miners often having to dig deep into the earth to access the aquamarine deposits.

In some cases, aquamarines are found in pegmatite rock formations, which are known for containing large, high-quality gemstones. These formations can be quite challenging to mine, as the rocks are often hard and dense.

Once the aquamarine rough is extracted from the mines, it is then cut and polished into various shapes and sizes, depending on its quality and intended use. High-quality aquamarines are often cut into faceted shapes to enhance their natural brilliance and sparkle, while lower-grade stones may be cut into cabochons or used for other decorative purposes.

Overall, the mineralogy and mining of aquamarines are complex processes that require significant expertise and resources. However, the resulting gemstones are truly breathtaking and continue to be highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

How do Aquamarines Contrast with other Top Gemstones?

Aquamarine gemstones have a unique and distinctive look that sets them apart from other top gemstones. One of the most notable differences is their color, which ranges from pale blue to blue-green. This soft, soothing color is often compared to the color of the ocean, giving aquamarine its name. In contrast, other top gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds have much more saturated and intense colors.

Another distinguishing feature of aquamarine is its transparency. These gems are known for their clarity and lack of inclusions, which means they allow light to pass through them easily. This gives them a bright and sparkling appearance, similar to that of a diamond.

Compared to other top gemstones, aquamarines are also quite affordable. While diamonds, rubies, and emeralds can be quite expensive, particularly if they are of high quality, aquamarines are relatively inexpensive. This makes them a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

Overall, the unique color, transparency, and affordability of aquamarine gemstones set them apart from other top gemstones and make them a popular choice for jewelry lovers around the world.

How to Care for Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a relatively low-maintenance gemstone, but it still requires some care to keep it looking its best. It should be cleaned regularly with a soft brush and mild soap and rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Avoid exposing aquamarine to high temperatures or extreme temperature changes, as this can cause damage to the stone. It is also important to store aquamarine jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches and damage.