The Aquamarine
The dazzling sea-blue beryl gemstone, capturing the pure essence of the ocean.
Overview
Aquamarine, the dazzling sea-blue gemstone, gets its name from the Latin phrase aqua marinus, which means "water of the sea." As a proud member of the beryl family, its distinctive hue comes from traces of iron during its formation, ranging from pale blue to blue-green or teal. Deeply saturated blue tones are considered the most valuable.
Brazil is the leading global source, though it is mined across the globe from Pakistan and Madagascar to the USA. Famously, the world's largest cut aquamarine—the legendary Dom Pedro weighing 10,363 carats—is on display at the Smithsonian. Unlike its beryl relative the emerald, aquamarine is typically clean and nearly free from inclusions.
Symbolism
Associated with courage, loyalty, and friendship, aquamarine is the March birthstone and the traditional 19th wedding anniversary gemstone. Ancient lore says it was found in mermaid treasure chests and used by sailors as a protective talisman across stormy seas.
Ancient Egyptians and Sumerians hailed it as a symbol of happiness and a provider of everlasting youth, often burying it in tombs. It was also believed to bring victory, guarantee a happy marriage, and reawaken love between estranged couples.
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
Aquamarines possess a glass-like luster and a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes them highly durable, scratch-resistant, and ideal for everyday wear, serving as a wonderful center stone option for rings, earrings, and pendants.
Treatment
In its natural state, aquamarine can be light blue or greenish-blue. To permanently remove the green tint and turn it into a more valuable pure blue color, stones are often exposed to high temperatures (~400°C) in a controlled environment. Natural, untreated blue stones command a higher price.
Color & Clarity
Color ranges from sea-green to pastel and deep sea-blue. High-quality aquamarine is exceptionally clear, transparent, and "eye-clean." While some carry minor rod-like liquid inclusions common to beryls, most finished gemstones are completely clean of noticeable flaws.
Cut & Carat Weight
Because rough material is abundant and available in large sizes, well-cut aquamarines are plentiful. They are most commonly shaped into emerald cuts or ovals. Interestingly, giant stones over 25 carats can sometimes drop in value for everyday jewelry due to low consumer demand for oversized pieces.
Aquamarine Grading System
Top 1%
Comprising the top 1% of extremely rare aquamarines, these exhibit very high brilliance, an eye-clean surface, and a truly exceptional medium sea-blue color.
Top 10%
Awarded to the top 10% of natural aquamarines, these gemstones are completely eye-clean, brilliant, and display a gorgeous medium sea-blue hue.
Top 33%
Representing the top third of available gems, these stones feature a lighter sea-blue color and possess only minor, slight natural inclusions.
Top 75%
Very light sea-blue in color, this entry-level category includes stones that feature slight to moderate inclusions visible upon closer inspection.
Aquamarine Care Instructions
Aquamarine is a durable gemstone, but everyday wear causes an accumulation of dust and skin oils that dull its brilliance. Follow these tips to keep your jewelry looking brand new:
- Remove For Chores: Keep your aquamarine jewelry aside while performing heavy household chores, gardening, or strenuous physical activities.
- Avoid Chemicals: Prevent direct exposure to harsh household chemicals, chlorine, and ammonia, which can harm both the gemstone and its metal setting.
- Gentle Washing: Clean your jewelry using lukewarm (never hot, to avoid thermal shock) soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with plain water.
- Smart Storage: Store pieces individually in soft pouches or a fabric-lined box to prevent scratches from other items.
- Avoid Harsh Light: It is advisable to store your aquamarine in a dark area or box, as prolonged continuous exposure to direct sunlight or intense heat may alter the gem's color over time.