Properties
Mineral group: Beryl
Chemistry: Be3Al2Si6O18
Color: Various grades Blue to Blue Green
Crystalsystem: Hexagonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 7.5-8
Refractive index: 1.577 - 1.583
Birefringence: 0.005 - .009
Specific gravity: 2.72
Information
May be misstaken for
Kyanit, Topaz, Tourmaline, Zircon, glass imitations and synthetic blue Spinel. It’s possible to create synthetic Aquamarine but it’s not economically viable and what we mostly see is synthetic Spinel
Treament:
Heat treatment (400-485 degrees Celsius) which enhances the colour of Aqumarine and is also permanent. Irridation (radiation treatment) is sometimes used but this colour enhancement will fade in time.
Suitable instruments for identification
Microscope or loupe can disclose the typical rainlike inclusions which blue glass or synthetic Spinel lack.
The Chealse-filter may also be usefull as synthetic Spinel will show up red while true Aquamarine will show a green-blue colour.
Refractive Index and density are importent data, to measure them use, Refractometer and Hydrostatic Weighing.
Use Polariscope to establish Crystalsystem.
Known localities
The most important are made in Brasil where deposits are found in several locations. An example is Minas Gerais where the biggest, gem quality stone to date was found in 1910. The size of this crystal was a stunning 110.5 kilo. When it was cut into smaller stones the net yeild was 100.000 Carats.
Other important commercial deposits are found in several African countries, China, India, Australia and the United States.
Miscellaneous
Aquamarine is an important and appreciated member of the Beryl family of gemstones and the trace element that gives it it’s colour is iron (Fe). Aquamarin is associated with the sea and the sea god Poseidon. This made it popular with the seamen of older days who thought it possible to appease Poseidon in rough sea. It is also thought that Aquamarine has a calming effect.
Read/learn more about Aquamarine
Aquamarine in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Aquamarine is a light blue crystal that is highly valued for its calming and clarifying properties in healing. Here are some of the main properties that aquamarine is said to have:
1. Calm and Clarity
- Aquamarine is known for creating calmness and clarity of mind, making it popular for stress reduction and relaxation. It is said to relieve anxiety and overwhelming emotions, which can bring a sense of inner peace.
- The clarifying energy means that aquamarine is also used to clear confusion and promote a calm, focused mind.
2. Strengthens Communication and Truth
- As a crystal linked to the throat chakra, aquamarine is often associated with improving communication and self-expression. It is said to strengthen the ability to speak the truth and express oneself clearly, especially when one needs to speak from the heart.
- It is often used by those who want to get better at expressing their feelings or resolving conflicts in a peaceful and honest way.
3. Emotional Healing and Understanding
- Aquamarine is associated with emotional healing and can help process emotional trauma. It is said to support a calm and understanding attitude, which can help release old wounds and feelings of anger or bitterness.
- Many people use aquamarine to deepen their understanding of themselves and their emotions, which contributes to emotional balance and inner harmony.
4. Spiritual Growth and Intuition
- Aquamarine is also believed to promote intuition and spiritual insight. It is often used to open up to higher consciousness and support meditation and spiritual work.
- The crystal is associated with increasing the sense of inner connection and intuition, helping the user to follow their own path and trust their inner answers.
5. Protection and Purification
- Aquamarine has long been used as a protective crystal, especially for those who travel by sea. It is believed to have a cleansing effect on both the energy field and the environment, and can be used to clear away negative energies.
- The gentle, protective energy is also thought to create a stable and safe atmosphere, which can make aquamarine a good crystal to have in the home or workplace.
How aquamarine is used:
Aquamarine can be worn as jewelry to support communication and calm during the day, held close during meditation or placed on the throat chakra to strengthen communication and self-expression. Many also place aquamarine in their homes to create a harmonious and purifying atmosphere.
