Saturday, June 5, 2010

Aquamarine

Gemstone :
Aquamarine

Birthstone Month :
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March.

Zodiac :
Aquamarine is associated with the zodiaz sign of Pisces.

Chemical Symbol :
Be3Al2(Si6O18)

Chemical Make-up :
Aquamarine is the best known variety of the Beryl mineral. NB: All Aquamarines
are Beryl, but not all Beryl is Aquamarine.

History & Lore :
The name Aquamarine was derived by the Latin words, aqua meaning “water”, and mare meaning “sea”. This is because of its colors close resemblance to sea water. Aquamarine was considered sacred to the god of the sea, Neptune. It is documented that it was used by the Greeks between 480-300 BC. They would wear Aquamarine amulets engraved with the water god Poseidon to protect them against perils and monsters of the sea. Legend also says that Aquamarine was the treasure of the mermaids and for this reason, sailors would wear it to keep them safe on voyages out to sea and prevent seasickness.

Aquamarine is also said to have a soothing effect on married couples, helping husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage.

Additionally, it is said that Aquamarine will provide its wearer with everlasting youth and happiness, provide courage, cure laziness and quicken the intellect. Aquamarine can replace anger and negativity with mental peace and clarity, providing the wearer with emotional and mental balance. For these reasons it is said to be an effective treatment for anxiety. Aquamarine is an effective gemstone for opening the fifth chakra, the throat chakra. Water in which an Aquamarine has been immersed can cure eye problems, swollen glands and helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums

Availability :
Although small Aquamarines with good coloration can be hard to obtain, Aquamarines are generally readily available. Supply meets demand.

Sources :
The major supplier of Aquamarine is Brazil, especially in the state of Minas Gerais. Not only is Brazil the major supplier but it also provides the most valuable Aquamarines on the market today. Other Aquamarine deposits can be found in Afghanistan, Angola, China, Columbia, Kenya, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States (Colorado, Idaho), and Zambia.

Evaluation :
Aquamarine is rated as 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, which makes it durable and suitable for everyday wear. Aquamarine gemstones are often eye-clean and inclusion free. The color of Aquamarine varies from pale blue to a strong sea-blue. Aquamarine receives its color from traces of iron. When investing in an Aquamarine, choose one that is pure in color and as dark as possible. The more intense and pure the color of the stone, the more value it has. Color intensity tends to improve with larger stones.

Aquamarines have been found and cut in remarkable sizes, and because of this the price doesn't vary much in sizes above one carat. However, when Aquamarine gemstones are exceptionally well cut, their value increases enormously, and prices rise to around the same price per carat as a one carat gemstone of equal quality. Aquamarine gemstones provide excellent value for money, particularly when considering the fact that a well colored, well cut Aquamarine is among the most spectacular gemstones available in terms of overall apearance and brilliance. When buying Apatite gemstones, the two most impotant factors to consider are color and clarity. Gemstones with good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently more valuable and command higher per Carat prices.

Common Cuts :
Aquamarine gemstones are most commonly cut into Emerald and Oval shapes.

Routine Enhancements :
Almost all of the Aquamarine gemstones on the market today have been heat-treated in order to produce the best / most desirable color. This treatment is used for greenish, yellow or brownish stones to remove tints and produce a beautiful pure blue coloration. This method of treatment is considered permanent and the color should not fade over time.

Care & Cleaning :
Aquamarines can be cleaned by using warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove any dirt or grease that is lingering. They should be kept away from household chemicals as they can cause the stone to erode. Aquamarines should also be kept away from excessive amounts of heat or drastic temperature changes. All gemstones should be kept in a fabric lined box away from other harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching.


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