Description

Aquamarine Gemstone

Aquamarine is a valuable gemstone belonging to the Beryl family. Its name comes from the Latin words Aqua, meaning water, and Mare, meaning sea, referring to its beautiful blue and blue-green colors.

Aquamarine occurs naturally in light blue, deep blue, pale green and bluish-green shades. Color and clarity are two of the most important factors in determining its quality and value, with vivid blue and highly transparent specimens generally being more desirable.

Aquamarine Characteristics

The color of aquamarine is mainly caused by the presence of iron within its chemical structure. Heat treatment may be used to enhance and deepen its blue color, and this color modification is generally considered stable.

Aquamarine is commonly faceted to maximize its brilliance and transparency. Some suitable crystals may also be cut as cabochons to display a cat’s-eye effect known as chatoyancy.

Gemstones Similar to Aquamarine

Blue topaz, zircon, kyanite and blue tourmaline can sometimes resemble aquamarine. Accurate identification may require gemological testing and examination of their optical and physical properties.

Other Names

Aquamarine is also known as Blue Emerald and is a variety of Beryl.

Aquamarine Jewelry

Because of its attractive blue color, transparency and brilliance, aquamarine is widely used in rings, necklaces, earrings and other fine jewelry.