|
| |
info
page home
crystals,
gems and minerals
|
Aquamarine
(March Birthstone)
Aquamarine courtesy of a Private
Collector
|
|
Scientific:
Aquamarine is a variety of
beryl. Other beryl family members include
emerald, morganite, goshenite, bixbite,
heliodor and green and golden beryl.
Aquamarine's crystal structure is hexagonal
(six sided). Crystallized prisms sometimes
form vertical striated terminated crystals
with small pyramidal faces. These crystals
have been found up to 39 inches in length.
The most important aquamarine is found in
alluvial deposits in Brazil. Aquamarine is
found on every continent; however, some
large deposits (Russian) have already been
mined out. Other deposits of some commercial
significants are in Queensland Australia,
Myanmar Burma, China, India, Kenya,
Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria,
Zambia, Zimbabwe and the USA.
The largest gemstone quality aquamarine was
found in 1910 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It
weighed 243 pounds, measured 18 inches long
and 15 inches in diameter. This stone
produced 100,000 cut carats. There have been
finds weighing a few tons but these
aquamarines have been opaque and colorless
and not suitable for cutting. |
|
Aquamarine
(Latin for water of the sea) is so named
because of its seawater color. It is dark to
light blue to blue green, with a vitreous
luster. The coloring agent is iron. In the
19th century sea green aquamarine was the
most popular but blues are more valued
today. Aquamarine can also be distinguished
from other similar stones by its Pleochroism.
When viewed from different angles, it shows
different colors.
It is possible to confuse aquamarine with
blue topaz, euclasite, kyanite, blue
tourmaline, zircon and glass. Sometimes
synthetically produced aqua colored spinel
is sold as aquamarine. Aquamarine's total
lack of any traces of gray can help
distinguish it from other similar stones.
It is a relatively high priced,
semi-precious gemstone, higher in value than
blue topaz, most amethyst and most garnets.
In jewelry, the preferred cuts are emerald
and brilliant as well as long oval shapes.
It is usually cut with the table facet
parallel to the length of the crystal to
help bring out its deepest color. Turbid
stones are cut in cabochons or are used for
necklace beads. |
|
Heating
low quality almost white aquamarine to
between 725 and 850 degrees Fahrenheit will
change it to the darker blue permanent
aquamarine color. Care must be taken not to
cook the stone when heating it or making
jewelry as too much heat will lead to
discoloration.
Variety of: Beryl
Chemical Composition: Al2Be3Si6O8 (Aluminum
Beryllium Silicate)
Hardness: 7.5 - 8 |
|
History and Lore:
Aquamarine has been mentioned
in the ancient literature of many cultures
as having been used in the foundations of
sacred or holy cities. In the Bible it is
one of the foundation stones of the
"Heavenly City."
In Exodus, the high priest of the second
temple of the Israelites wore an aquamarine
on each shoulder, engraved with the names of
the twelve tribes. Six were engraved on each
shoulder stone. |
|
Myth:
In medieval times this stone was thought to
reawaken the love of married couples. It has
been called the "Stone of Courage." It was
thought to guard against injury during
battle and render soldiers invincible.
Aquamarine was known as the "Sailors' Gem."
It was said to make sailors fearless and
safe at sea and protect anyone on or near
the water. |
|
Metaphysical:
Due to its history as a "Sailors' Gem",
aquamarine is said to help with motion
sickness. It is also known to be a very
soothing and balancing stone. Perhaps there
was something to all the old sailing lore.
Aquamarine is excellent for the 5th, or
communication chakra. It can help singers
and orators get the full quality of
expression by releasing emotions that get
blocked in the throat. It strengthens the
throat, teeth, ears, neck and voice. It
enhances ones ability to come up with rapid
intellectual responses. It not only elevates
our communication skills, but it helps us to
assimilate knowledge.
People who are drawn to aquamarine are said
to be those souls whose spiritual patterning
holds a memory of... trauma, from past or
present life birth experiences. Those
attuned to this stone are often very humble
and more critical of themselves than of
others. Aquamarine can help heal the trauma. |
|
From
Gem Magic, by Cornelia Parkinson: "What
aquamarine bestows on its wearer are added
sensitivity and awareness of emotions and
feelings of oneself and others. The
sea-green aquamarine signifies moderation
and control of the passions, and the perfect
operation of prophecy.
If you dream of seeing an aquamarine, it
presages a happy love life for you. It is
always a fortunate omen to give or receive
an aquamarine in a dream. Should you dream
of an aquamarine in water, you will know
abundance of all good things. If you wear an
aquamarine ring in your dreams, it indicates
your willingness to help others. Dreaming of
an aquamarine pendant on a silver chain
shows that you have a clever sense of
humor." |
|
Teresa's Rock of the Week, formerly Gail's Rock of the Week |
info
page home
|
