Gemstones: Aquamarine

 

 

Aquamarine - a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty.

Color : Aquamarines are found in a range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to a deep blue. While the choice of color is largely a matter of taste, the deeper blue gems are more rare. Aquamarine is a pastel gemstone, and while color can be quite intense in larger gemstones, the smaller Aquamarines are often less vivid.

Description : Be3Al3(SiO3)6 Aquamarine is pale greenish blue or bluish green variety of beryl. Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate, a commercial source of beryllium. It has long been of interest because several varieties are valued as gemstones. These are aquamarine, emerald and heliodor. Aquamarine is the most common variety of gem beryl, it occurs in pegmatite, in which it forms much larger and clearer crystals than emerald.

The name's origin : Aquamarine name is derived from Latin words meaning sea and water, therefore name "aquamarine" means sea water.

Birthstone : Aquamarine along with bloodstone are birthstones of Pisces (Fish): Feb. 19 - March 20.

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

Care and treatment : As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect aquamarine from scratches and sharp blows. Keep aquamarine jewelry in the dark place, as it often becomes paler if left out in the sun. Clean your Aquamarine in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.

Shopping guide : Aquamarine is a beautiful affordable gemstone found in a range of blue shades. The highest quality aquamarine is transparent. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone making it a good choice for jewelry that is worn frequently like aquamarine rings. However due to its delicate color and clarity it is best displayed in a more prominent position such as in earrings and pendants.
A nice, medium dark blue aquamarine is a perfect gift for any occasion, but especialy for weddings, as aquamarine is a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty. When buying aquamarine jewelry for yourself, note that wearring aquamarine in earrings brings love and affection.
In its finest color aquamarine will be a rather dark blue, rivaling a nice medium blue sapphire. But they are rare and expensive. Be ware far too many blue topaz have been sold as aquamarines, as blue topaz is much cheaper.
For many years aquamarine is a favorite of many consumers.

Healing ability : Aquamarine works against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It strengthens liver and kidneys. Aquamarine diminishes problems with eyes, ears and stomach, relieves cough. Moreover, aquamarine protects from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

Mystical power : Aquamarine has a soothing effect on "just married" couples, assisting them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends.
It also provides courage and strengthens the will. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. Others say that the Aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation.

Deposits : Aquamarine is found in Brazil, India, Russia (Ural mountains) and USA (Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado and Vermont). Aquamarines are mined in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Brazil is the source of the finest aquamarines.

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