Aquamarine & Its Modern Uses
Aquamarine, the pale-blue stone of the sea, has dazzled jewelry designers and collectors for many years because of the stone's beautiful translucency. However, aquamarine is also a favored gem among those in the healing arts and mystics. Does this Spark an idea?
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Characteristics
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A member of the beryl family like the emerald, aquamarine ranges in color from the palest blue to bluish-green and as deep as teal. It is often mistaken for blue topaz. Aquamarine has a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is found primarily in Brazil, but may come from smaller deposits in Pakistan and Mozambique.
Uses in Jewelry Trade
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Because of its lack of excessive inclusions, jewelry designers have been able to capture the brilliance of this gem into classically-cut rings and pendants. If there are inclusions present, designers can cut the stone into cabochons and other pieces to bring about the transparency and light nuances of the stone.
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Healing Properties
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Aquamarine has been used to alleviate sore throats, toothaches, headaches, kidney and digestive disorders, thyroid problems, upper respiratory symptoms and travel sickness. In chakra healing, it is placed over the heart or throat chakra to enhance the immune system.
Metaphysical Uses
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Aquamarine has been known to help with emotional overload. It soothes intense feelings of sorrow, grief, loneliness and anxiety. It can enhance one's intuition and is used in mediation work and distance healing.
Other Uses
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Between married couples, aquamarine can aide in better and more loving communication. Use the stone when teaching children to swim, as it can take away their fears of the water. Carry the stone when traveling over water. In business, aquamarine may bring about overseas connections and business deals.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit photo courtesy of Natalia @ flickr.com
