‘Aquamarine’ gemstones resemble the greenish- blue color of the sea. In fact the name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word for sea water. Aquamarine gemstones look like the crystal blue seas and are normally pastel blue to greenish or the deep blue. The larger the stone the more the sheen is.
Aquamarine Gemstone
Aquamarines are a form of beryl which is a mineral made of beryllium aluminum silicate. Historically it is said that aquamarine gemstones that were of medium dark blue in color were first found in Madagascar. However, it is not found there anymore. Today these gems are mined in countries like Brazil, India, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Russia, and Afghanistan. The largest aquamarine crystal was found in the year 1920 in Brazil. It measured 16 inches wide and 19 inches long and weighed about 243 pounds. It was cut into smaller gems and it is said that a green colored outer piece that weighs about 13 pounds is kept in The American Museum of Natural History.
It is one of the most popular gemstones and is considered equivalent to ruby, emerald, sapphire, etc. Compared to the emerald, finding a blue aquamarine is easier and it is a stone with a beautiful shine and good hardness. The value of the stone depends on it color. The stronger the color, the more its value. The typical quality of aquamarine is the greenish sheen it has.
The highest quality of aquamarine looks transparent and looks amazing in a ring made of gold. However, the delicate shades look attractive in pendants, earrings and chocker sets. A perfect gift for any occasion, it is a special gift that can be given to someone for their 16th and 19th year marriage anniversary.
Aquamarine stones are a symbol of love and equality. It is believed that wearing aquamarine gemstones wards off health issues like nervous weakness, neck and throat disorders and also said to strengthen the kidney and liver. It is also said to ward off depression and bring a perfect understanding between couples.
Aquamarine stones should be handled with care, and it should also be kept in darker places as they tend to become paler when brought under sunlight. The jewelry made out of this stone should be kept clean by wiping them with soapy warm water and a brush with soft bristles and then wiped out with a clean cloth.
One should be cautious when investing in aquamarines, as many jewelers try to pass of topaz as aquamarine.
