Aquamarine is a transparent gemstone which has a delicate blue or turquoise color, though color may range from faded green to blue. It’s the birthstone for the month of March and the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary. It is firmly related to emerald and is associated with contentment and understanding. You can use it for good luck, as many sailors believe, or you can present it to a new bride as a symbol of consistency.

The word aquamarine sprung from the Latin word aqua marina, meaning water of the sea as its color is suggestive of the hint of the seawater. Aquamarine is a transparent variety of the beryl family of minerals, which also produces emerald. It is a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral with a hexagonal crystal structure. Its Mohs toughness range from 7.4 to 8 and has a particular gravity of 2.68 to 2.74.

The green or blue color of aquamarine is given to the stone by the iron deposits, which can be discovered near where the stone is forming. The color is due to the chemical effect of the iron in the formation. But aquamarine is sensitive to sunlight and its color can fade or lighten over time if the stone is exposed to the sun’s rays.

However, not all aquamarines are green or blue. Aquamarines can be much lighter than blue-green. There are even yellow or just about clear aquamarines. To bring out more color in these kinds of aquamarine, jewelers heat-treat them.

Most aquamarines used in jewelry were heated to create brighter colors. A rich blue aquamarine gemstone is more expensive. However, the heating process can make the gemstone look less tasty. It can come out with an even lighter color when heated.

Aquamarines can be found in Russia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania and united states. In the united states, aquamarines can be found in central Colorado, at the peak of Mount Antero in the Sawatch Range and in the big Horn mountains near Powder brook Pass in Wyoming. The biggest deposits of aquamarines are located in Brazil.

The biggest aquamarine ever mined weighed over 110 kilograms. Its dimensions were 48.5 centimeters long and 42 centimeters in diameter. It was found in 1910 in Brazil, at the town of Marambaia, Minas Gerais.

There had been lots of gullible ideology associated with aquamarine. It was claimed to be powerful when dunked in water. In the ancients times, people believed the water in which the gemstone had been submerge can be employed to heal a selection of illnesses of the heart, liver, mouth, throat and stomach. In the Middle Ages, people thought that aquamarine crystals could magically overcome the consequences of poison.

The ancient Romans thought that aquamarine was holy to Neptune. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, because they thought that it might guarantee a safe voyage and guarantee a safe return. They also thought that putting it under their pillow would guarantee sound sleep. Ancient sailors also thought a mermaid’s fish-like lower body was made from aquamarine.

Aquamarine is a very sturdy stone to be used in jewelry and is a comparatively abundant gem. Unlike the other gemstones, the bulk of aquamarines are perfect. This gemstone also symbolizes safety and security, especially inside long distance relationship. Some people believe this stone can reawaken love in a knackered marriage.

Aquamarines are relatively affordable due to its abundance man-made aquamarines are dear because they are difficult to manufacture. The most valuable variety of aquamarine is blue. Its Moh’s toughness rating of 7.5 makes it sturdy and awfully wearable. Such characteristic also makes it a wonderful choice for all types of jewelry too.

About the author : Melinda Gagnon lives in Atlanta and is a fine jewelry and gems enthusiast which has written extensively providing tips on purchasing Aquamarine Earrings and recommendations. Check out some of her other recommendations at Aquamarine Necklace