Aquamarine
The Latin name aqua marina says it all. This stone is named after the sea, with its beautiful light blue hue. It was worn as a protective stone by sailors. In jewellery, it is a beautiful, subtle stone and adds a classic touch. But what more can be said about aquamarine?
Aquamarine: Origin, History, and Symbolism
Contrary to what many people think about aquamarine, this stone not only comes in pale blue but also has pale green, blue-green, and yellow-green variants. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl group, just like emerald and morganite, and can be quite valuable.
In the Middle Ages, statues of the Virgin Mary were often decorated with aquamarine. According to a legend, aquamarine belonged to a mermaid and leads to love. The colour of the stone would change in the presence of injustice. Legend or not, today the gemstone is often chosen as a subtle alternative to diamond in engagement rings with aquamarine.
Aquamarine is mainly found in Madagascar, Brazil (specifically Minas Gerais), Nigeria, Pakistan, the Urals, India, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Afghanistan, and the United States.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March. The stone provides balance and symbolises peace, relaxation, and calm. It is therefore ideal to wear during times of conflict, stress, and tension. The stone is also said to give courage and improve concentration and thought processes. Additionally, it is believed to strengthen the immune system and combat seasickness and skin allergies.
Physical Facts about Aquamarine
Aquamarine, like emerald and morganite, belongs to the beryl minerals. The stone can have a transparent to semi-transparent appearance after cutting.
Molecular formula of aquamarine: Al2Be3(Si6O18) + K, Li, Na + (Fe)
Hardness of aquamarine on the Mohs scale: 7.5 / 8
Aquamarine can only be scratched by materials that are harder or have the same hardness. Topaz, for example, can scratch aquamarine. Since aquamarine occurs in nature as long prismatic crystals, it is most often cut into long shapes. By this, we mean oval and rectangular cuts, which have one longer side. Besides the faceted cut, aquamarine can also be cut into a cabochon shape. Many people do not expect this, but it can result in a stunning appearance.
Caring for Aquamarine
Aquamarine can become lighter in colour when exposed to strong light for long periods (think, for example, of extended exposure to sunlight). Aquamarine is a delicate stone for rough use. Always try to store aquamarine jewellery separately from other jewellery to avoid damage. For cleaning the stone, you can use warm water and a soft brush, such as a children's toothbrush. Dry the stone with a soft cloth. If you wear aquamarine rings, remove them when you are outside on sunny days.
Imitations of Aquamarine
Possible imitations that can be used for aquamarine include blue glass, synthetic blue spinel, topaz, and zirconia. You often come across jewellery with imitation aquamarine at holiday destinations. Zirconia or blue glass is then sold as aquamarine.
Aquamarine in DiamondsByMe Jewellery
As we mentioned earlier, aquamarine is a fairly subtle gemstone, and therefore ideally suited for more classic, vintage-style jewellery. The smaller the aquamarine, the less colour it will have. If you want a truly bright blue stone, choose smaller stones for blue topaz or blue lab-grown diamond.
Take a look at the different models on our website and see the difference between, for example, an aquamarine centre stone or a diamond. It immediately gives a different touch. Perhaps the touch you are looking for in a piece of jewellery!
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