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
Gemstone Guides & Knowledge
Read more about Aquamarine on RIDDGEM Blog
Watch movies and Shorts about Aquamarine on RIDDGEM YouTube
Aquamarine in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Aquamarine is a light blue crystal that is highly valued for its calming and clarifying properties in healing.
Read/Learn more about Aquamarine - Healing Properties
