AQUAMARINE OVAL CUT GEMSTONES

Description

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 Fe. It has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Moh 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 name aquamarine comes from aqua (Latin for ‘water’), and marine, deriving from marina (Latin for ‘of the sea’).  The word aquamarine was first used in the year 1677. The word aquamarine has been used as a modifier for other minerals like aquamarine tourmaline, aquamarine emerald, aquamarine chrysolite, aquamarine sapphire, or aquamarine topaz.

Aquamarine is referred to as the birthstone 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.