Aquamarine
Formula
Be 3 Al 2 (SiO 3 ) 6
Birthstone for the month of March
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Mineral hardness (Mohs)
Particular hardness: 7,5
Colour
The name aquamarine is derived from the ancient Latin for water and sea, the stone is well known for its sea green and sea blue colours. This stone will usually be a light green, cyan, or blue.
Origin & History
Aquamarine is found most commonly in: Brazil, Kenya, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Russia, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Care
Aquamarine is a somewhat brittle stone. Try to keep jewellery which incorporates aquamarines apart from other jewellery to prevent damage from harder stones. To clean the stone use warm water and a soft brush (e.g. a children’s tooth brush). Dry the stone with a soft piece of fabric.
Imitation stones
Possible materials used in making imitations of aquamarine jewellery are blue glass, synthetic blue spinel, topaz, and zirconia. An example of what one may commonly encounter abroad is the jewellery sold at popular holiday destinations, they include imitation aquamarine fashioned from zirconia or blue glass.
Cut
In nature, aquamarine deposits appear as oblong, prismatic crystals, therefore they are usually cut in oblong shapes. This means they are cut in rectangular and oval shapes, with one longer side. In addition to a faceted cut, the aquamarine can also be presented in cabochon cut. The result of a cabochon cut is often unexpectedly beautiful.
Jewellery with Aquamarine can be found here: