All About Aquamarine.
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a pale-blue to light-green variety of beryl. The color of aquamarine can be changed by heat though this practice is frowned upon by collectors.
Aquamarine has a chemical composition of Be3Al2Si6O18, also containing Fe2+ It has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. While aquamarine often contains no inclusions, it can have them, noticeable or not, composed of content such as mica, hematite, or saltwater..
Aquamarine is a common gemstone. However, there is a rarer deep blue variant called maxixe, but its color can fade due to sunlight. The color of maxixe is caused by NO3.Dark-blue maxixe color can be produced in green, pink or yellow beryl by irradiating it with high-energy radiation (gamma rays, neutrons or even X-rays)
The Value Of Aquamarine
The value of aquamarine is determined by its carat weight, colour, cut, and clarity. Due to its relative abundance, aquamarine is comparatively less expensive than other gemstones within the beryl group, such as emerald or bixbite (red beryl) but is typically more expensive than similarly coloured gemstones such as blue topaz. Naturally occurring blue hued aquamarine specimens are more expensive than those that have undergone heat treatment to reduce yellow tones caused by ferric iron. Cut aquamarines that are over 25 carats will have a lower price per carat than smaller ones of the same quality
Aquamarine cultural significance
Aquamarine is the birth stone for the month of March. It has historically been used a symbol for youth and happiness due to its color, which has also, along with its name, made Western culture connect it with the ocean. Ancient Romans believed that aquamarine could protect people who are travelling across the sea; they also used aquamarine to prevent illnesses.
Where can Aquamarine be found
Aquamarine can be found in countries like Afghanistan, China, Kenya, Pakistan, Russia, Mozambique, the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Malawi, India, Zimbabwe, Australia, Myanmar, and Namibia. The state of Minas Gerais is a major source for aquamarine
Aquamarine can mostly be found in granite pegmatites. It can also be found in veins of metamorphic rocks that became mineralized by hydrothermal activity
Where do Aquamarines Form?
Most aquamarines form in mineral-rich pegmatite rocks. They often occur with other pegmatite-based minerals such as quartz, garnet, and topaz.
They form in granite pegmatite rocks and hydrothermal carbonate veins and cavities, where hydrothermal processes have modified the granitic composition. Beryls can also be found in gem-gravel placer (alluvial) deposits.
These pegmatites contain some internal cracks and voids. Underground, hot magma interacts with the rocks and heats them, and the heating initiates a chemical chain reaction between the minerals.
When the magma gradually cools, the thermal activity within the pegmatites begins to form crystals within the voids. This prolonged process can take anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of years. Silicate-based minerals, like aquamarine, need a longer time to crystallize compared to other minerals. Therefore, a slow cooling process is vital.
Aquamarine Durability
Aquamarines are fairly tough jewelry stones, but they do have some weaknesses.
Despite these vulnerabilities, aquamarines still have "Good" toughness. However, some precautions are in order when cutting and setting these gems. Since the corners of gems are most vulnerable to breakage, faceters frequently select round, oval, or cut-cornered styles (like an emerald cut) for aquamarines. Cut aquamarines with corners or thin girdles should have protective settings in jewelry.
Aquamarines and Light Exposure
Both mined and lab-created aquamarines are stable under all light sources, including sunlight, artificial indoor lighting, and ultraviolet, even for prolonged periods. However, so-called Maxixe aquamarines (irradiated blue beryls) will fade over time when exposed to light.
What is the benefit of aquamarine crystal?
Sometimes referred to as the “breath stone,” aquamarine is known to alleviate sinus, lung, and respiratory problems. It is also believed to help with bronchitis, colds, hay fever, and various allergies.