Aquamarine Gemstone Facts
The symbol of beauty, honesty and loyalty, the aquamarine is a popular gemstone that is best known for its radiant blue color. These gems are faceted when used for fine jewelry, giving the aquamarine the sparkling aqua appearance of their watery namesake.
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About
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Aquamarine is a part of the beryl gem family and gets its name from the Latin "aqua marina," which means "water of the sea." The stone can range in color from a nearly translucent pale blue to a deep blue-green or even teal. A deep aqua color is generally considered the most prized color for an aquamarine.
Use
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Aquamarine was adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers as the symbolic gemstone for the month of March in 1912. It is also considered the birthstone for people born under the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. Tradition recommends giving the aquamarine as a gift for the 16th and 19th wedding anniversary, as well.
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Origins
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Aquamarines are mined in the state of Colorado, specifically in the Sawatch Range on Mt. Antero. They have also been found in the Big Horn Mountains in the state of Wyoming. Major aquamarine mines are located in Madagascar, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. However, the mines in Brazil offer the most valuable aquamarines in the world.
Heat Treatment
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Subjecting a gemstone to a high temperature can often help bring out a more vibrant color or clarity within the gem. Blue-green or teal aquamarines are often heat treated in attempt to change the hue to a more pure blue. Any color changes produced by heat treatment become permanent.
Legends and Folklore
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Lore has attributed the power of foresight, happiness and courage to those who wear an aquamarine. These gems are also said to increase intelligence and extend youth. In alternative healing, aquamarine is considered to be an effective healing stone for anxiety. In the Middle Ages, aquamarine was also thought to have a poison-reducing effect.
Sailors once believed that carrying an aquamarine would bring good luck and safety on the seas. It was said that the gem's natural powers could be increased by submerging it into water.
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References
- Photo Credit crystal of aquamarine image by Alexander Maksimov from Fotolia.com
