Aquamarine

Aquamarine jewelry

Etymology and history

Aquamarine (from Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a blue or turquoise variety of beryl. The name beryl is derived (via Latin: Beryllus, Old French: beryl, and Middle English: beril). In the 19th century the preferred color for Aquamarine was sea green, and indeed the name itself means seawater. Today the most valued colors are sky blue and dark blue.

Aquamarine description

Aquamarine is dichroic, appearing blue or colorless as the stones is viewed from different angels. Gem quality of aquamarine is found as hexagonal crystals. The pale blue color of aquamarine is attributed to Fe2+. The Fe3+ ions produce golden-yellow color, and when both Fe2+ and Fe3+ are present, the color is a darker blue as in maxixe. Discoloration of maxixe by light or heat thus may be due to the charge transfer Fe3+ and Fe2+ . In Antiquity, as well as in the middle Ages people believed that the cosmos is reflected in gemstones. No surprise that aquamarine is assigned to planet Neptune. The esoteric movement revived the ancient belief and the gem industry made it another marketing tool to promote certain gems.

Aquamarine in Jewelry

Aquamarine is the most popular stone to produce cut stones jewelry. Special aquamarine stones are use for rings. The bracelets, necklaces and pendants looks beautiful and dignity.

Occurrence

The most valuable aquamarines come from Brazil, but it is also mined in Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.