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The Vivid Blue Gemstone

Aquamarine is a transparent, light blue or sea green stone that is soft.

 

The vivid blue gemstone derives its name from the Latin term ‘Aqua’ meaning sea and ‘mare’ meaning water. The beautiful Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and gemstone for 16th and 19th anniversary.

 

According to legends Aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of mermaids and since then has been associated with the ocean. In ancient times aquamarine were worn as amulets by Greek sailors to please the God. The belief associated with the stone was that it would safeguard the soldiers on a voyage against the rough seas. Some also believed that is a preventive against seasickness and also reduces the effect of poison. Aquamarine was also thought to have a soothing effect on new marriages and helped the couple to become compatible. Aquamarine is deemed to bring joy and wealth to its wearer.

 

Aquamarine is primarily mined in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. The largest and most highly valued aquamarine was mined in Brazil in the 20th century and weighed 243 pounds. Another noted aquamarine is 879.5 carats, sea green in color, is displayed in British Museum of Natural History. Aquamarine is also mined in areas of Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. In United States this gemstone is found in Colorado and it is the official gemstone of the state.

 

The chemical composition of Aquamarine is (Be3Al2 (Si6O18)) and it belongs to the beryl family of minerals. It has a specific gravity of 2.68 to 2.74 and a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. Aquamarine ranges from shades of blue, from pale to pastel, greenish blue to deep blue. The most precious aquamarines are those displaying deep blue color with no green tints. These are rare and therefore more valuable.

 

Aquamarine is almost free from inclusions and often has good clarity. This is the reason why aquamarines are frequently cut with large step facets to display their flawlessness. The blue colored, inclusion free gemstone is less susceptible to cracks and nicks like the other gemstones. It’s clear and pale brilliance makes it a perfect gemstone for jewelry and it combines well with most of the jewelry metals.

 

Aquamarine is always heat- treated to remove inclusions, which is a well accepted practice in jewelry industry. High temperature is used to remove the iron impurities from the gemstone, making it appear clean and pure blue in color.

 

To keep the gemstone clean and brilliant you need to clean it with warm soapy water. Avoid using chemical cleaners, detergents and a lot of exposure to sunlight.

About the Author

Rajesh Kumar is a writer for gemstones and jewelry working with www.angara.com, an on-line jewelry firm that has a fine collection of diamond and gemstone jewelry.

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