In recent times, it's been noted that the bluer the stone is, the more valuable it is (generally speaking). Although it is most famous for its glorious cool blue color, Aquamarine is sometimes found with delicate greenish hues. Aquamarine from this region manages to possess a unique and intense brilliance that reflects off the internal facets, and exudes a compelling and extremely rare sparkle that dances throughout the stone. One of the most sought after of all Aquamarine varieties is from the Espirito Santo region of Brazil. Most Aquamarine gemstones are faceted, but when cabochon cut they can occasionally display chatoyancy. Darker shades of Aquamarine tend to be cloudier, whereas cleaner stones are often very light in hue. Aquamarine is mostly found and mined in Brazil and countries that fall along the Mozambique geological belt in Africa, though there are a number of other sources. AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE INFORMATIONĪquamarine is both the birthstone for March and the official gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary, exhibiting a hexagonal crystal system. Aquamarine is simply one of the world’s most popular and well-known gemstones, and is an essential addition to any gemstone and jewelry collection. Whichever variety you own or aspire to collect, Aquamarine is a prized blue gemstone with unparalleled clarity and a soft, delicate tone which radiates life, vibrancy and brilliance. It weighs in at a staggering 10,363 carats, and can be viewed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.Īt a monastery near the original Espirito Santo Aquamarine mine in Brazil, the monks call the gem the 'Divine Stone' and wear it in amulets, recognising the heavenly blue color’s calming influence during their hours of silence and meditation. The exquisitely faceted piece is shaped like an obelisk, criss-crossed with diagonal detailing that gives it an otherworldly appearance. The world's biggest faceted Aquamarine is known as the 'Dom Pedro'. It was found in Brazil in 1910 and, when it was cut down into smaller faceted stones for use in jewelry, they collectively weighed over 100,000 carats. The biggest Aquamarine rough ever found weighed a staggering 110kg (243lbs). It was also thought to bring rains when they were desperately needed, and even to curse enemies with drought. This 'protection in battle' legend has been reinterpreted by some in the modern age as a form of protection during legal battles. It was also once thought to render soldiers invincible, and was thus carried into battle as a stone of protection. The Romans even thought it could heal medical ailments of the throat, stomach and liver.īack on dry land, Aquamarine was believed to both soothe and prolong relationships, and for this reason is often given as an anniversary gift way before its official listing for the 19th wedding anniversary. The Romans and Greeks both revered the stone in this way, and thought of it as the 'sailor's gem'. In times gone by, as a very last resort, sailors caught in a storm were believed to have thrown their Aquamarines overboard in an attempt to calm the gods. When Aquamarine's perceived powers appeared to dwindle, the gem would be placed in water on the night of a sparkling full moon in order to revitalise it. Many superstitions and legends told throughout the long history of Aquamarine relate to water and the oceans, one being that the qualities of the gem are especially strong when submerged in water. Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD) said of the gem, "The lovely Aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of the summer sea, has charms not to be denied". Once believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it was often worn by sailors and travellers as a talisman to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness. Used in jewelry since at least 500 BC, its tropical ocean blue tones effortlessly invoke images of landless skies and the waters below. It is easy to see why Aquamarine has always been associated with the sea. Aquamarine can have wonderful clarity, meaning that it dazzles with a bright, energetic sparkle. Known as the gem of the sea, even the name ‘Aquamarine’ comes from the Latin ‘aqua’ for ‘water’ and ‘marina’ for ‘of the sea’. One of the most popular blue gemstones, Aquamarine is steeped in myth and legend. Aquamarine is the soft pale blue variety of the Beryl family of gemstones, which also includes Morganite, Goshenite, Yellow Beryl and Emerald.
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