The gemstone aquamarine

Aquamarine, named for the Latin phrase "water of the sea", is a blue to blue-green variety of the mineral Beryl. Beryl also contains other gem varieties, including Emerald and some lesser known varieties such as Morganite and Heliodor. Aquamarine ranges in color from a faint light blue to blue and bluish-green, with lighter colored stones more common. Light green Beryl can be transformed into Aquamarine if heated to 750º F (400º C). The green hues in regular aquamarine can also be removed through heating. Much of the deeply colored aquamarine gems on the market today are heat-treated. Generally, the deeper the blue in Aquamarine, the greater its value.

Aquamarine is a relatively common gem, and is thus affordable. Some enormous transparent crystal masses have been found, and exquisite gems weighing thousands of carats have been cut from them. The light blue to blue-green color of Aquamarine may fade upon prolonged exposure to light, so it is especially important to purchase this gem from a reliable dealer.

Light blue Topaz is easily mistaken for Aquamarine. The colors of these two gems can be identical, and their physical properties are very similar. Topaz is generally less expensive, and some fraudulent dealers may sell their Topaz as aquamarine.

Unlike Emerald, Aquamarine gems are often completely flawless. Aquamarines with visible flaws are rarely seen. The costs of producing synthetic aquamarine are very high when compared to the relative abundance of this gem, so synthetic aquamarine is not really available on the market.

Aquamarine is a hard and durable gem, but it may develop internal cracks if banged hard. Some material may fade upon prolonged exposure to light.

USES
Aquamarine is faceted into many cuts. It is used in jewelry for rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Many large, flawless gem pieces have been cut. Occasionally, perfect, flawless, six-sided crystals are worn as necklace pendants. Translucent aquamarine displaying a cat's eye effect and asterism are cut and polished into cabochons. These forms of Aquamarine are much less common.

Aquamarine is the birthstone of March.

FALSE NAMES

Brazilian Aquamarine - blue Topaz

Mass Aqua - light blue glass used as an Aquamarine fake

Nerchinsk Aquamarine - blue Topaz

Siam Aquamarine - heat-treated blue Zircon

AQUAMARINE OCCURRENCES
Brazil is the by far the largest producer of gem Aquamarine. Other important gem producers are Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, China, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and the United States (Colorado and California).

SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Blue Topaz is easily confused with aquamarine. Blue Zircon may also be confused with aquamarine, although its color is usually a deeper blue.

For fine Aquamarine, visit:

ALSO SEE
The mineral Beryl
The gemstone Beryl
The gemstone Emerald
The gemstone Topaz

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