Gemstone aquamarine - color and properties

Aquamarine is a stone of the beryl family, like emerald. The name comes from Latin, from Aqua Marina, which means sea water, because of the blue-green color. Although the name we use today was first used by Anselmus de Boudt in 1609 in his gemological work. Gemmarum et Lapidum Historiia. It is characterized by dichroism, that is, two-color. This property allows the color to change from blue to colorless depending on the orientation of the crystal against a non-metallic surface. This is a fairly hard mineral, on the Mohs scale it is estimated at 7,5-8 points. It has a fairly low density, around 2.6 g/cm³, compared to ~3.5 g/cm³ for diamond and ~4.0 g/cm³ for ruby. Like a diamond, it is graded for cut, color, weight, and clarity. It is the color of aquamarine that is extremely important. The price of the stone largely depends on this. It is mostly blue in color, and its hue varies from greenish to blue-green. AgeAfter grinding, most aquamarines are also heated to around 400-500 degrees Celsius. So they get their blue color, because in nature it has a dark green or blue-green color. Dark blue minerals are very valuable. The color of the mineral depends on the amount of impurities of iron compounds. It often happens that the larger the aquamarine, the more intense the color. Some aquamarines have inclusions, air bubbles, or inclusions of other minerals such as biotite, pyrite, hematite, tourmaline. Sometimes they are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they reduce the value of the gemstone. It is assumed that the most valuable are dark blue aquamarines. Blue gemstones weigh over 10 carats and are a particularly valuable raw material.

Wystepowania akwamarynu

It is a large hexagonal crystals, the length of which can reach one meter. This makes it an excellent material for grinding. Its main deposits are in Afghanistan, Africa, China, India, Pakistan, Russia and South America. This mineral is mainly mined in Brazil, but is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. In Poland it is found in the Karkonosze mountains. The most valuable specimens were found and excavated in Madagascar. Mostly because of the dark blue color. Aquamarine is found mainly in granitic rocks, especially in pegmatites and hydrothermal rocks. In Pakistan, for example, aquamarine is mined at an altitude of 15 feet, which is four and a half thousand meters. However, the most famous aquamarine mine is located in Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais in the state of Ceará. It is there that most of the minerals that are used in jewelry are mined.

Aquamarine Jewelry

The cool and calm color of aquamarine looks great in a frame of any gold color. Aquamarine earrings will emphasize the color of the eyes, an aquamarine pendant will adorn every neckline, and an aquamarine ring will satisfy even the most demanding woman. Aquamarine jewelry is a favorite of the British royal family. The queen has a complete set, tiara, necklace and earrings. Also known was a set of the late Lady Diana, a ring, earrings and a tiara. It is a stone known since antiquity. It has always been valuable, and today it is no exception. This is a coveted gem. The most common step cut, then oval, and then detachable. Of course, a round brilliant cut is also used. It is the properties (including hardness) of this mineral that make it possible to conduct various experiments with the shape. Already in the XNUMXth century BC, the Greeks and Romans made intaglios from it, i.e. brooches with marine motifs, since, according to legend, he helped in sea voyages, but more on that below. Aquamarine jewelry is also very easy to clean. Enough warm, but not hot water, this is very important. And mild liquid soap. However, various types of hairspray, perfumes, and other household chemicals should be avoided, as aquamarine can be quite hard, but its chemical resistance may be too low.

Aquamarine and blue topaz - differences

Aquamarine and blue topaz are two blue-colored stones most commonly used in jewelry. They are very similar to each other, and it is very difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye. Aquamarine, however, is more valuable than blue topaz, so it's worth knowing how to identify them. Unfortunately, this is not easy, and the truth is that the stone is best shown to a specialist for visual inspection. A good gemologist will quickly recognize whether he is dealing with aquamarine or topaz. However, when we don't have that option, there are a few things to watch out for. Number of inclusions - under a 10x magnifying glass, we can see many more impurities in topaz than in aquamarine. Color - aquamarine has gentle greenish tones, topaz will only be blue. You can also consider the lines of refraction, in aquamarine they should not be visible, if you see two, this is topaz, and check the thermal conductivity of the stone. Aquamarine does not conduct heat. But this requires the right equipment.

Aquamarine - Action and Legends

This gemstone is believed to protect sailors and also guarantee a safe journey. Therefore, intaglios, brooches with marine motifs were made. The calm blue or blue-green hue of aquamarine is said to soothe the temperament, allowing the wearer to remain balanced and calm. In the Middle Ages, many believed that wearing aquamarine was an antidote to poisoning. The Romans believed that carving a frog into an aquamarine piece would help reconcile differences between enemies and make new friends. It was a wonderful wedding present. Believing that it symbolizes long love and unity, it was given to brides. The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Jews admired aquamarine, and many warriors wore it in battle, believing it would enable them to win. Sailors believed that these glittering, watercolor-colored gems came from the mermaids' treasury. No wonder they say that it brings good luck to everyone who sails the seas. It also brings love, health and youthful energy to those who wear it. This is a lucky stone for those born in March and is also worth giving for 16th and 19th birthdays. Aquamarine is a beautiful stone to buy for any occasion, but especially as a gift for those born in March or experiencing romantic love. Aquamarine was once identified with St. Thomas, because he was like the sea and air, and St. Thomas made a second journey through the seas and oceans to India to announce salvation. In those days, it was quite popular to identify this or that gem with one of the twelve apostles.Aquamarine powder was used as a medicine, as it helped in the treatment of all types of infections. He especially helped in the treatment of eye diseases. according to some marines it can soothe runny noses and skin allergies, relieve headaches, or work against coronary heart disease. William Lagnland wrote in 1377 that it was the perfect antidote for poison, even without grinding the stone. It was enough to wear it on the skin.

famous aquamarines.

In the British Museum in London there is a blue-green crystal in the form of an irregular prism, transparent, weighing 110,2 kg. A smaller crystal, weighing 61 kg, was found in Brazil near Belo Horizonte, and the Museum of Natural History in New York has a 4438-carat faceted egg-shaped specimen. Stanisław August Poniatowski's scepter, displayed at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, made around 1792, consists of three polished aquamarine sticks, which are connected to each other by gold ring-shaped rings. Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth and many other women have aquamarine jewelry in their collection.

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