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Aquamarine is a bluish-green variety of the gemstone Beryl. Its name is Latin and describes the characteristic color of this gemstone, “water of the sea”, ocean blue to turquoise green.
The soothing and refreshing color of this gemstone is a result of its iron content. Interestingly, the colors and tones vary depending on their concentration of iron, and can range from a pale delicate blue to turquoise, and greenish blue.
Fact sheet
Aquamarine; from the Latin, aqua (water) and marina (sea): water of the sea. The name describes the sea blue color of this gemstone. This name was used in Europe from the 15th to the 16th century (Renaissance period).
From a pale, delicate blue to a greenish or sea green, or blue-green.
A variety of Beryl; germanates and silicates; structure: cyclosilicates (ring silicates)
The blue color of Aquamarine comes into its own in the Emerald cut. However, if the stone is cloudy, a cabochon cut or chain-ball shapes are also common.
The value of Aquamarine depends mainly on how strong the color is. Therefore, the richer and more intense the color, the more valuable the piece.
Smaller Aquamarine pieces usually have a higher price per carat, as smaller pieces tend to be richer in coloring than larger ones. Moreover, the cat’s eye Aquamarine – an extremely rare variety, is very valuable.
Aquamarine is a variety of Beryl.
Depending on its origin, this gemstone is also classed into the following species:
Santa Maria Aquamarine (intense deep blue), São Domingos Aquamarine (pastel blue), Santa Teresa Aquamarine (turquoise blue), Boca Rica Aquamarine (gdepthreen blue), Pedra Azul Aquamarine (dark blue) and the Aquamarine Cat’s Eye (needle-shaped inclusions).
Traditionally, Aquamarine rules the following signs of the zodiac: Aquarius (birthstone) and Libra (balancing stone).
The stone gives Aquareans harmony and freedom, and helps Librans to follow their desires.
