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Aquamarine under a microscope!
image location - microscopy.fsu.edu |
Postage stamps dedicated to Aquamarine!
image location - stampmin.home.att.net |
Aquamarine's clarity is one of its finest qualities.
It is often eye-clean, and any inclusions within this gemstone can
easily be seen. The intensity of color and the clarity of the stone
are the most important criteria when evaluating this captivating
stone. Deep blue aquamarines are rare and at one time commanded higher
prices in the world's gemstone markets. Today,the value of aquamarine
is not significantly diminished by lesser intensity of color many
people actually prefer the more crystal clear gemstones to the richer,
deeper colors. A variety of sizes are readily available, and as the
size increases, the color of aquamarines tends to intensify.
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria,
and Pakistan, with lesser quantities in Russia, the United States and
other countries. The African nations, especially Madagascar, are
becoming major contributors to the gem supply. Beautiful, large,
clear, and well crystallized Aquamarines come from numerous places in
Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Esperito Santo.
Exceptional specimens also come from central Madagascar, where the
Aquamarine is associated with Morganite. Two other fine localities
include Mungo, Baltistan, Pakistan and the Ural Mountains of Russia.
In the U.S., Aquamarine is found along with other Beryl varieties in
many localities.
| Composition | Be3Al2(Si6O18) | Class | cyclosilicates |
| Specific gravity | 2.68 - 2.80 | Refractive Index | 1.563 - 1.583 |
| Birefringence | weak (.006) | Pleochroism | distinct |
| Cleavage | imperfect | Fracture | conchoidal to uneven |
| Luster | vitreous | Transparency | transparent to translucent |
| Streak | white | Fluorescence | None |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Twinning | rare and simple on pyramidal planes |
| Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 | Dispersion | .014 |
| Color | blue to blue-green to sea-green |
| Crystal habit | Aquamarine forms prismatic crystals, elongate or flattened, that are often vertically striated and grooved. Some crystals show varying degrees of etching. |
| Other
| The color of aquamarine is due to trace amounts of iron impurities in the beryl structure. The color ranges from pale green to pale blue to blue depending on the relative concentration of iron impurities and on where they are located within the beryl crystal structure. The beryl crystal structure contains channels outlined by rings of (Si-O)6 units stacked upon each other leaving space within the channels for water or other impurities. Color influencing iron impurities can be present in these interstitial channel sites or substituting for aluminum in octahedral sites. When Fe3+ is present substituting for aluminum in the octahedral site a yellow color is produced. When Fe2+ is present in the interstitial channel site a pure blue color is evident. When both are present the typical blue-green color of aquamarine is produced. Heating green-blue aquamarine to approximately 750º F reduces the Fe3+ to Fe2+, thereby eliminating the yellow and green colors leaving only the pure blue color that is most popular today. Irradiation can reverse this process restoring the yellow and green colors. Almost all aquamarine gems on the market today are heat-treated. |
Aquamarine, the "gem of the sea", derives its name from the Latin
phrase for "sea water" because it sparkles like the sea with its' pale
to medium blue green color.
For many centuries, oceanic energy was believed to be contained
within the beauty of aquamarines. Legends say that it is the treasure
of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. When amulets
made of this precious gem were worn, sailors believed that unmatched
bravery would be instilled into their souls, giving them the power to
overcome even the most powerful storm. It is supposedly a particularly
strong charm when immersed in water. Aquamarine was also said to have
a soothing influence on land, especially on married couples. Its power
to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a
long and happy marriage makes it a good anniversary gift. Aquamarine
also protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine
means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine is said to release
anger and negativity replacing them with mental peace and clarity,
providing emotional and mental balance. It is also said to aid in
meditation, and to give courage and to assist in self-expression. It
is said to help reduce dependence on drugs, to aid in digestion, as a
remedy for swollen glands and to maintain the health of the jaws and
teeth.
