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| Aquamarine fact file | |
| Crystal Structure: hexagonal Chemical Composition: Beryl – Beryllium Aluminum Silicate ( Be3Al2(Si16O18) ) Hardness: 7.2 to 8 MOHS | Refractive Index: 1.57-1.59 Colors: Pale blues, light blues, yellowish blues, green, greenish-blue |
Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the March birthstones.Aquamarine, the friendly charm of mariners and mermaids, comes in as many shades of blue as you get to see on the seas.
Sometimes, just like at sea, there are flashes of green too. Aquamarine is believed to have a soothing effect and is a favorite anniversary gift.Bloodstone, or Green Jasper, has for long been the birthstone of March. Its rarity these days in suitable sizes led to its being replaced by Aquamarine on the birthstone list. Chemically a chalcedony quartz, the presence of iron oxide causes appearance of bright red spots. Finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac
Name
The Romans gave this march birthstone its name – aqua for water and marine for sea.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Chemical composition
Aquamarine is the mineral Beryl, a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with the general chemical formula Be3Al2(Si16O18). It ranges in hardness from 7 2 to 8 on Moas scale; it has an imperfect cleavage and a vitreous luster. Optically, beryl is uniaxial negative; some specimens may be strongly diachronic; its refractive index ranges from about 1.57-1.58 or to 1.58-1.59. Aquamarine crystals are often elongated along the c-axis whereas emerald crystals are often blunted along the c-axis. This creates the effect of the former appearing wand-like or pencil-like whereas the latter may appear barrel-like. Other mineral beryls include emerald, morganite, and heliodor.
Colors
Aquamarine ranges from pale blues to light blues to yellowish blues and also may appear to be green or greenish-blue. They may be heat treated to intensify their color.
Healing Properties and Interesting Information
Healing
Stone of “courage”. Aquamarine accelerates the intellectual reasoning processes. It provides shielding for aura and subtle bodies. This March birthstone was used to guard against injury in battle. Aligns chakras. Assists judgemental people to become tolerant.
Where Found
Old World sources of aquamarine include Madagascar, Russia, and Sri Lanka whereas New World sources include Brazil, Colorado, and North Carolina. Very large aquamarines (some weighing several kilos) can be found in Brazil. Other sources include Colombia, the Urals in Russia, India, and the United States (Virginia. Colorado, Maine, and North Carolina).
History, mythology
The Romans believed sirens released the gems into the sea, and the stones washed ashore. Hence the tradition that aquamarines protected sailors on their journeys. Romans also believed aquamarines would ward off sea sickness and other stomach maladies. Modern beliefs suggest the gem makes one smarter, braver, and less lazy. Legends say that it is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarine is said to be a particularly strong charm when immersed in water (which is a good thing, since that is when sailors need its power most!) 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 this march birthstone a good anniversary gift. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends.
Buying and Caring tips
Tips for Buying Aquamarine Jewelry
Gems in this category range from $50 to $1,000 per carat, for an average-to-good-quality one-carat stone.The name aquamarine has been used as a modifier for many other materials such as aquamarine tourmaline, aquamarine emerald, aquamarine chrysolite, aquamarine sapphire, aquamarine topaz, etc.Synthetic Spinel is often used as imitation aquamarine.
Tips to take care of Aquamarine Jewelry
Warm soapy water and a soft brush is your best bet. Mechanical cleaners are safe, but not on heavily included gems. Avoid most chemicals, heat and excessive cleaning.