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). 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. Most aquamarine gems on the market today are heat-treated. Generally, the deeper the blue in aquamarine, the greater its value. A very dark form of beryl resembling deep blue sapphire is artificially formed by irradiating certain beryls. These dark blue stones are commercially called "blue beryl".

Aquamarine is a not an uncommon 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 beautiful 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 are identical, and their physical properties are very similar. Topaz is the less expensive gem, and some crooked dealers may sell their topaz as aquamarine.

Unlike emerald, aquamarine gems are often completely flawless. In fact, an aquamarine gem with a visible flaw is 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. However, production of synthetic blue spinel is easy and inexpensive, so it is used as a cheap aquamarine simulant. It is often mistakenly sold as "Synthetic Aquamarine".

Aquamarine is a hard and durable gem, but occasionally develops 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.

Emerald 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

Synthetic Aquamarine - synthetic blue spinel

SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Blue topaz is easily confused with aquamarine, and blue zircon, and blue tourmaline may also be confused with aquamarine, although their colors are 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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